The essence and features of the digital economy development: theoretical and methodological analysis and practical aspects of transformation management

<jats:p>The chapter provides a comprehensive theoretical and methodological analysis of the essence, genesis and features of the development of the digital economy as a qualitatively new stage in the evolution of economic relations. The evolution of digital technologies in historical retrospect is studied – from the creation of the first programming languages to modern technologies of artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things. The main approaches to the definition of the “digital economy” category are systematized. A comparative analysis of key terms is carried out: digitization, digitalization and digital transformation; the author's definitions distinguishing these concepts are proposed. A structural and logical scheme for managing the digital transformation of an enterprise has been developed, and the stages of its implementation have been substantiated. The risks and barriers of digital transformation have been identified, and approaches to their minimization have been proposed.</jats:p>