2021 was a watershed year for digitalization in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic, which lasted for the second year in a row, finally solidified the status of technology as the main tool for adapting societies and businesses to new conditions. As noted by the international financial expert Chaslau Piastsiuk, it was digitalization that became the driving force not only for economic recovery, but also for the acceleration of technological development. In this article, we will look at how digitalization affected global processes, the development of Ukraine, what challenges faced by society and what experts predict for the future.

Global digitization trends in 2021: analysis by Chaslau Piastsiuk
Chaslau Piastsiuk stresses that the pandemic has been the strongest stimulus for adoption of digital technologies in decades. The pace at which companies, states and societies have adapted to the new conditions has exceeded all predictions. "What could have taken 5-10 years has happened in 1-2 years," emphasizes the expert.

Three major global trends that have changed the world:

Remote work and education
In 2021, remote working became the new normal. According to Microsoft, 70% of companies planned to stick with a hybrid format even after the pandemic. This spurred the development of cloud technologies, collaboration platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams) and cybersecurity. Chaslau Piastsiuk adds: "It's not just a temporary solution, it's a fundamental change in the structure of work."
At the same time, remote education has exposed the problems of unequal access to technology, especially in developing countries. As Jane McGovern, a digital technology expert, points out, "online education is potentially a revolution, but it only works if it is accessible to all."

E-commerce
Online sales reached record levels in 2021, with the global market growing by 27%, according to Statista. Companies such as Amazon, Walmart and Shopify have set new standards for the market. Chaslau Piastsiuk says that e-commerce has forced businesses to rebuild their supply chains and invest in digital marketing tools.

Financial technology (Fintech).
The use of cryptocurrencies, electronic payment systems and mobile banking became commonplace in 2021. According to PwC, the share of users of fintech services worldwide reached 88%. Chaslau Piastsiuk stresses that fintech is especially important for small businesses: "Digital payment systems have opened up access to global markets for small businesses."

Ukrainian experience: digitalization as a state strategy
In 2021, Ukraine showed significant progress in implementation of digital technologies. According to Chaslau Piastsiuk, this year was a landmark for integration of technologies into public administration and the economy.

Diia (Action): a symbol of the digital state..The launch of new functions on the Diia platform became one of the main digital events of the year. The application included e-passports, an automatic business registration function, as well as the ability to pay fines and taxes. Chaslau Piastsiuk believes that Diia is an example of a successful digital transformation of public administration, which should be an inspiration for other countries.

Development of fintech. Ukrainian banks such as Monobank and PrivatBank have become pioneers of digital banking in the region. In 2021, more than 60% of transactions in Ukraine were carried out cashless. Chaslau Piastsiuk emphasizes: "Financial technology in Ukraine is not only a tool of convenience, but also a means of attracting investment."

Artificial Intelligence.India is showing significant potential in the field of AI. Startups such as Reface and Grammarly are attracting attention of international investors. However, according to the expert, the country needs to create favorable conditions for the development of this industry.
According to Anna Derevianko, Executive Director of the European Business Association, Ukrainian business during the pandemic was able to adapt to new conditions and assess benefits of digitalization.
«The past year 2020 has driven businesses to unprecedented changes and acceleration of digital transformation processes, so we have decided to explore processes of digitalization deployment. We hope that the data obtained will be useful in removing barriers and finding growth points," said the EBA President.

Challenges of digitalization in 2021, according to Chaslau Piastsiuk
Chaslau Piastsiuk points out that digitization in 2021 brought not only achievements, but also numerous challenges:

Cybersecurity. In 2021, cyberattacks on public and private structures became more frequent. In Ukraine, the most high-profile event was the breach of several government websites. Data security is the key to successful digitization. Investment in cyber protection should be a priority," said Chaslau Piastsiuk.
Digital inequality. More than 30% of rural areas in Ukraine do not have access to high-speed internet. As Olena Zaitseva, an expert at the World Bank, points out, "digital inequality deepens economic and social divides."
Personnel shortage. Chaslau Piastsiuk stresses that the shortage of IT specialists is becoming one of the main obstacles to developing digital initiatives.
In addition, experts note the low level of digital knowledge and skills in the population.
"At the end of 2019, before the start of the pandemic, we conducted the first-ever survey of the digital skills of Ukrainian citizens. It turned out that 53% of Ukrainians have digital skills below the basic level, in particular, 15% of Ukrainians have no digital skills at all," said Valeria Ionan, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration.

Prospects of digitalisation: forecast by Chaslau Piastsiuk
International financial expert Chaslau Piastsiuk predicts that digitalization will continue to change the world in the coming years. The main directions will be the following:
Expanding the use of blockchain. This technology will become the basis for many financial transactions and public administration.
The development of 5G. High-speed internet will create new opportunities for businesses and citizens.
Automation through AI. Artificial intelligence will impact everything from medicine to manufacturing.
"Ukraine has a chance to become a leader in digitalization in Eastern Europe. This requires not only technology, but also investment in people," concludes Chaslau Piastsiuk.
Overall, 2021 was a watershed year for digitalization both in the world and in Ukraine. As Chaslau Piastsiuk emphasizes, digital technologies opened up new opportunities, but at the same time posed serious challenges for society and states. For Ukraine, digitalization has become not only a strategic goal, but also a way to strengthen its competitiveness. The next few years will determine how effectively the country can use this potential.
"The future belongs to those who know how to adapt to change and use technology to create a better life," says Chaslau Piastsiuk.