Microbusiness as an actor in the social field of the Russian digital economy
The article presents the results of a study of microbusiness as an actor in the Russian digital economy social field. Analysis of the scientific literature has shown that microbusiness research is mainly focused on economic characteristics. However, understanding the social characteristics of microbusiness is as important as its economic performance. To fill this gap, we studied the Russian digital economy as a social field, where microbusiness is one of the actors. The study identified a number of social characteristics of microbusiness. Among the indicators of this group, the most important is that 20 percent of micro-businesses clearly do not support the development of the digital economy. It should also be noted that only 17 percent of respondents know that since 2020 Russia has a state program of free additional education in the digital economy with the possibility of obtaining a digital certificate. The average digital literacy level of microbusiness is 35.2 points on a 100-point scale, while the respondents' self-assessment of digital literacy level exceeds the real indicators by 1.5 times. The average level of information self-protection, also calculated on a 100-point scale and showing the level of information security of respondents in the digital environment, is 26 points. More than 44 percent of microbusiness representatives refer to the orientation of the "development" disposition and are characterized by a preference for improvement, enhancement of the processes they face. The large group of respondents - 15.4 percent - refers to the “merchant” habitus, which is characterized by the introduction of the most optimal and advanced technologies, methods, practices for development in various industries, including the digital economy. It is concluded that it is necessary to develop and implement activities related to increasing digital indicators and awareness of the opportunities and support provided by the state for the development of the digital economy.