Artificial Intelligence adoption: Drivers and barriers to development

The article explores the challenges to Russia’s economic security caused by the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of digital transformation and global technological competition. The purpose of the study is to identify the most significant threats to the country’s economic security in the context of the popularisation of AI technologies and propose measures aimed at addressing them, taking into account the current situation. To achieve this goal, the authors analysed the dynamics of the Russian AI market, its structure by industry and growth rates, as well as the main external and internal risks associated with the use of AI technologies. Special attention is paid to the trends in the development of the AI market, cyber threats, economic and cyber espionage, proliferation of deepfakes, and problems of technological dependence on foreign suppliers and sanctions pressure. Internal challenges include staff shortages, polarisation of digitalisation in industries, concentration of resources in large companies, and lack of regulatory oversight. It is shown that these factors significantly limit the development potential of the domestic AI market and create prerequisites for economic and technological vulnerability in the country. The article suggests measures to minimise threats, including the development of domestic solutions, decentralisation of resources, annual monitoring of digital maturity and digital literacy in industries, the use of various mechanisms to support small and medium-sized businesses depending on the industry affiliation and the role of a company in a particular market. It also proposes improvement of the regulatory framework, relaxation of regulations, and provision of comfortable working conditions for IT specialists in Russia, as well as training of qualified personnel. The conclusion is drawn about the need for a comprehensive approach to ensuring Russia’s economic security in the context of the rapid development of artificial intelligence. The results obtained can be applied both in the practical activities of organisations using AI technologies and in the activities of government authorities to develop strategic and other policy documents for the development of the AI market.