The legal foundations of the digital state and e-government

Abstract

Background. In the context of global digitalization, the transformation of public administration is becoming a key factor in increasing the effectiveness of public authority. The transition to a digital state is a global trend that improves the efficiency of public services, reduces administrative barriers, and strengthens public trust in government. This topic is particularly significant in the context of national digital transformation programs implemented in many countries. The main objective is to clarify the concepts of "digital state" and "e-government," trace their evolution, identify key technological and institutional components, and determine promising areas for the digital modernization of public administration. Materials and methods. This article includes a theoretical analysis of scientific works on the digitalization of public administration, a study of international rankings, and an analysis of current regulatory legislation governing digital transformation in the Russian Federation and other countries. A comparative method will allow for a comparison of e-government models in different countries (Denmark, Singapore, Estonia). Results. The concepts of "digital state" (as a stage of technological modernization of the state) and "e-government" (as a system of electronic services for interaction between government and society) have been clarified. Barriers to implementation have been identified: digital inequality, cybersecurity, skills shortages, and imperfect regulatory frameworks. Conclusions. A digital state is not simply a set of technologies, but a new model of public administration that entails the deep integration of digital solutions into all spheres of public authority. Successful transformation requires a bal-anced combination of technological innovation, regulatory frameworks, and a change in the culture of interaction between government, business, and citizens. A promising area is the development of AI systems for the proactive provision of government services and the expansion of forms of digital democracy.