Digital Platforms as a Resource of State Support for Entrepreneurship in Russia: Effects and Risks of Use

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed in connection with it have led to a sharp reduction in the sector of small and medium enterprises around the world. At the same time, the impossibility of doing business ofine has led to an unprecedented growth in online trading. This growth is explained by the reduction in transaction costs for entrepreneurs due to the special nature of digital services. The subject of this study is the use of digital platforms as a resource to reduce transaction costs. The aim of the article is to substantiate the need for the government to minimize the risks of using digital platforms by small and medium-sized businesses as a resource for their development. With the help of statistical data, arguments are made in favor of the use of digital platforms as a resource to support entrepreneurship and an assumption is made about their influence on the choice of entrepreneurs in favor of legalizing their activities. In addition, key risks are identifed, which are based on a different level of digital culture of the population and infrastructure provision in different regions of the country. As a result, measures are formulated to minimize the risks of using digital platforms that the state can apply. They consist in the development of technical infrastructure, increasing the digital culture of citizens, as well as improving the already functioning infrastructure for supporting small and medium-sized businesses that can provide comprehensive assistance to entrepreneurs in the digital transformation of their business.