Assessment of digital transformation of water resource management

Authors

  • Valentina F. Fomina
    Komi Federal Science Centre of Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Socio-Economic and Energy Problems of the North

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17072/1994-9960-2025-3-346-376

Abstract

Introduction. The research is relevant due to the digital transformation carried out in the departmental programs designed to improve the efficiency of public water resource management.

Purpose. The goal of the study is to assess digital transformation of water resource management driven by the development of Rosvodresurs information systems and the functioning of the Water Data Platform.

Materials and Methods. Methodologically, the research refers to the works of the Russian and foreign scientists, regulatory legal documents. The authors use the data from Rosvodresursy’s departmental programs covering the period 2020–2025. Methods of systematization, generalization of information and comparative analysis, normalization of data are utilized.

Results. The article describes the nature of digital transformation in relation to water resources, which is aimed at increasing the efficiency of public administration, ensuring interdepartmental interaction, and developing a digital space uniting all territorial bodies and subordinate institutions on Water Data Digital Platform. A methodology has been developed and tested for a comprehensive assessment of digital transformation of water resource management according to the criteria characterizing public services, government functions, interdepartmental interaction, the development and operation of digital systems, including a tool for measuring digital maturity. According to the assessment scale, 2020 is the initial stage of digital transformation and has a very low digital maturity due to a small share of electronic public services and government functions. The development of information systems and interdepartmental electronic interaction enhance the efficiency of the department's work, and 2022 revealed the average digital maturity.

Conclusions. An assessment of the criteria for the planning period shows the possibility of approaching the high digital maturity. Further improvement of the efficiency of water resource management requires a Water Strategy updated with the indicators of the digital transformation of the water management industry. The significance of the work lies in the possibility of applying the tested methodology to assess digital transformation at the industry level.

Keywords: digital platform, digital technologies, criteria of digital transformation, digital maturity, integrated assessment of indicators, water resource management, Water Resources Agency (Rosvodresursy)

Funding

The study is a part of the 2024–2026 Research and Development Program “Digital Bioeconomy of the Northern Region: Approaches and Directions”.

For citation

Fomina V. F. Assessment of digital transformation of water resource management. Perm University Herald. Economy, 2025, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 346–376. DOI 10.17072/1994-9960-2025-3-346-376. EDN DFPGTD

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Information about the Author

  • Valentina F. Fomina, Komi Federal Science Centre of Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Socio-Economic and Energy Problems of the North

    Candidate of Sciences (Engineering), Associate Professor, Senior Research Fellow at the Laboratory of Environmental Economics; fomina@iespn.komisc.ru

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Published

2025-09-30

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Section

Regional and industrial economies