Comparative analysis of state policy on the development of digital platforms in the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation

Introduction. The governance of digital platform development has become one of the key areas of national digital agendas in the 21st century. Amidst global competition, China and Russia are striving to establish sustainable mechanisms for managing the growth of digital platforms.

Purpose. The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of state policy on the development of digital platforms in the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation. The research seeks to identify differences and similarities in platform regulation approaches, as well as to systematize the stages of state involvement in platform development governance.

Methods. The methodological basis of the study includes systems analysis and historical-economic analysis of state policy on platform development in two countries with distinct political and economic systems.

Results. The research provides a systematization of China’s and Russia’s platform policies. The Chinese model is characterized by a high degree of political control, technological autonomy, and export-oriented platforms, while the Russian model represents a hybrid structure relying on both state-driven digital solutions and private ecosystems. The study highlights key barriers to platform development in Russia, including dependency on foreign technologies, human capital deficits, and a fragmented regulatory framework.

Conclusions. China has implemented a phased strategy for digital platform development, beginning with the establishment of material and technical infrastructure to ensure technological self-sufficiency, followed by the rise of private initiatives and innovations supported by a protectionist environment. This experience is particularly relevant for Russia, which continues to face technological dependence on foreign equipment and expertise. Therefore, the strategic priority of Russian public policy should focus on fostering domestic high-tech industries, especially in microelectronics and digital infrastructure.

1. Abdrakhmanova G.I., Gokhberg L.M., Demyanova A.V. and others. The platform economy in Russia: development potential: an analytical report / National research. University of Higher School of Economics, Moscow: ISIEZ HSE; 2023. 72 p. DOI: 10.17323/978-5-7598-3001-6. (In Russ.)

2. Ryzhkova M.V., Chikov M.V. Institutional nature of digital platforms. Bulletin of the Buryat State University. Economics and Management. 2019;(4):72–80. DOI: 10.18101/2304-4446-2019-4-72-80. (In Russ)

3. Kulakova T.A., Volkova A.V. Digital sovereignty and political and administrative regimes. Bulletin of St. Petersburg University. Philosophy and Conflictology. 2023;39(1):92–105. DOI: 10.21638/spbu17.2023.108. (In Russ)

4. Borovskaya M.A. Improving the continuous education system: cluster and ecosystem approaches. Humanitarian of the South of Russia. 2020;9(5):15–35. DOI: 10.18522/2227-8656.2020.5.1. (In Russ)

5. McKnight, Scott and Kenney, Martin and Breznitz, Dan. Platformizing the Economy? Building and Regulating Chinese Digital Platforms. 2021. P. 46. DOI 10.2139/ssrn.3885190.

6. Kroeber A. China’s Push to Innovate in Information Technology. In: Jakobson, L. (eds) Innovation with Chinese Characteristics. Palgrave Macmillan, London. 2007;37–70. DOI: 10.1057/9780230591929_2

7. Fuller, D.B. How law, politics and transnational networks affect technology entrepreneurship: Explaining divergent venture capital investing strategies in China. Asia Pac J Manag. 2010;(27):445–459. DOI: 10.1007/s10490-009-9149-0.

8. McCarthy N. China now boasts more than 800 million internet users and 98% of them are mobile. Forbes. 2018. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2018/08/23/china-now-boasts-more-than-800-million-internet-users-and-98-of-them-are-mobile-infographic/ (Accessed: 03 April 2025).

9. Leskin P. Here are the major US tech companies blocked behind China’s «Great Firewall». Business Insider. 2019. Available from: https://www.businessinsider.com/major-us-tech-companies-blocked-from-operating-in-china-2019-5 (Accessed: 06 April 2025).

10. Woetzel J., Seong J., Wang W., Manyika J., Chui M., & Wong W. China’s digital economy: a leading global force. Discussion Paper, McKinsey Global Institute. 2017. Available from: https://iberchina.org/files/2017/MGI-Digital-China.pdf (Accessed: 06 April 2025).

11. Greeven M.J., Wei W. Business Ecosystems in China: Alibaba and Competing Baidu, Tencent, Xiaomi and LeEco. 2017. P. 172. DOI:10.4324/9781315209142.

12. Wei L. Chinese regulators try to get Jack Ma’s Ant Group to share consumer data. Wall Street Journal. 2021. Available from: https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinese-regulators-try-to-get-jack-mas-ant-group-to-share-consumer-data-11609878816 (Accessed: 06 April 2025).

13. Tumanyan Yu. R., Industriev M. A. Import substitution as a factor of Russian economy innovative development. Izvestiya of Saratov University. Economics. Management. Law. 2022;22(4):396–405. (In Russ). DOI: https://doi.org/10.18500/1994-2540-2022-22-4-396-405.