The impact of national cybersecurity on global competitiveness: A data mining approach

The study is devoted to the investigation of the educational determinants as components in shaping the level of socio-economic development of countries around the world, including assessment of the impact of national higher education system development indicators on the determinants of economic development, in particular macroeconomic, innovation, and technology determinants.
Based on the grouping of 50 countries, a matrix of relationships between the Universitas 21 index and global competitiveness index was constructed. It is determined that despite the close correlation between the indices as a whole (0.96), there is a certain differentiation of influence in groups. The high impact of education on global competitiveness (0.76) was found in the group of countries with a medium level of competitiveness, moderate impact (0.54) – in the group of highly competitive countries, weak impact (0.38) – in the group of countries with a low level of competitiveness. Based on the correlation-regression analysis, the study proposes a structural-logical graph of the relationship between educational and economic indicators and quantifies it accordingly. The results show that the level of higher education competitiveness is closely correlated with such indicators as the level of global innovation development (0.8 over the period 2012-2020), the level of the knowledge intensity of GDP (0.73), and the level of socio-economic development (0.75). The results will allow changes in education indicators to be taken into account in the context of their impact on economic development and global development strategies.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
In developing economies, financial institutions are positioned as a catalyst for economic innovation, yet there is little empirical research linking digital transformation to an enhanced management control function within these institutions. This paper investigates the relationship between digital transformation and the management control function in financial institutions, based on a study conducted in Moroccan financial institutions.
A quantitative survey, conducted in 2025, focused on 149 controllers from about 90 Moroccan financial institutions. Clearly, the sample size was limited, and the representation was justified. Five hypotheses were tested in a regression analysis. The findings confirmed a positive relationship between the management controller effectiveness and the use of digital levers. Evidence indicated that automation had the most influence, followed by the implementation of Business Intelligence and Big Data, followed by Cyber Security, followed by Cloud-enabled mobile. Data visualization also had a weaker but significant impact. These findings were consistent with previous literature regarding the Moroccan context. It was encouraging finding that the use of digital levers in management control provided operational efficiencies, as well as assisting controllers in the strategic advisory aspects. However, we caution against overgeneralizing based on the limited sample size. It is recommended that further research be conducted in more diverse types of institutions and that this validation work be expanded by using future digital integrations such as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
Digital technologies have become a key driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and social inclusion, while significant disparities in digital development persist across national economies. The aim of this study is to map and interpret the trajectories of digital transformation in 30 selected European countries (EU member states, associated economies, and Ukraine) during 2011–2022. The study employs the self-organizing map (SOM) with Ward hierarchical clustering to uncover latent structures of digital development, using a balanced panel of 20 indicators across three domains: ICT sector development, digital infrastructure, and digital technology adoption and skills. Cluster validity was assessed via the Elbow Method, Silhouette Coefficient, Calinski-Harabasz, and Davies-Bouldin indices. Results indicate that the two-cluster solution is statistically robust, while the three-cluster solution provides additional insight into transitional patterns of digital transformation. The two-cluster solution revealed a clear distinction between digital leaders and less advanced economies, with the greatest disparities observed in online banking (71% vs. 29%), online purchases (68% vs. 32%), and e-government use (68% vs. 34%). The three-cluster solution provided further nuance, showing that in 2011 most European economies were concentrated in the weakest cluster, while only Northern Europe achieved high levels of digitalization. By 2020, all European countries had reached at least the middle cluster, reflecting a shift from strong polarization toward a more balanced distribution of digital development. Despite progress, structural gaps remain, emphasizing the need for policies that advance digital skills, encourage inclusive adoption, and build trust in online services to sustain digital transformation.

Acknowledgment
The authors acknowledge with gratitude the financial support provided by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine for the research project “Cybersecurity and digital transformations of the country’s wartime economy: the fight against cybercrime, corruption and the shadow sector”, state registration number 0124U000544).