Small and medium-sized businesses clustering by level of information and telecommunications equipment

Purpose: to formulate recommendations for digital development of small and medium-sized businesses based on their clustering by the level of information and telecommunications equipment. Methods: the key research tool used was the algorithm for clustering small and medium-sized businesses developed by the authors, which allows not only determining the current level of their information and telecommunications equipment, but also formulating recommendations for their further development. To calculate the information and telecommunications equipment index, statistical analysis methods were used: quantile, correlation analysis using the Pearson method to identify relationships, as well as graphical methods of data visualization. To verify the reliability of the results, a comparative analysis was used based on official Rosstat data, and correlation coefficients were calculated between the sample indicators and the general population. Results: during the research, an original algorithm for clustering small and medium-sized businesses according to the level of information and telecommunications equipment was developed. A comprehensive analysis of the revenue structure and dynamics of demand for information and telecommunications services among small and medium-sized enterprises was conducted. Particular attention was paid to the industry specifics of these services implementation, which made it possible to identify significant differences between economic sectors and to cluster small and medium-sized businesses based on comprehensive indicators of growth rates and the degree of prevalence of services in various industries. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the development of a system of practical recommendations for implementing information and telecommunications services, taking into account industry specifics and the development level of various clusters infrastructure. С onclusions and Relevance: clustering of small and medium-sized enterprises by the level of information and telecommunications equipment makes it possible to take a segmented approach to the development of business sectors in Russia. The results obtained in the article can be used by the scientific community, business, as well as by the government to develop programmes to support small and medium-sized businesses.