The rapid growth of the digital economy is becoming an ever more important global trend. We are entering the era of Industry 4.0 with total digitalization of everything that concerns business. All physical assets will be integrated into the digital ecosystem together with partners involved in creating the added value chain. But what does global digitalization mean for Ukraine - a chance to catch up with the developed countries, or a factor of even greater lag?

To catch the digital train, Ukraine should start working on it right now. The principles of successful digital policy creating added value are development, growth and usage of intelligence. The key role in this process belongs to the state. The authorities should not only deal with e-government, but also focus on business digitalization, digital society, rights and infrastructure, bridging the digital divide, etc. And each of these areas has its own recipe for success.

A high-level expert discussion on what needs to be done so that the digital ecosystem radically raises the standard of living in Ukraine will take place during the Kyiv International Economic Forum (KIEF) on October 6-7, 2017. A panel discussion called "Life in the digital world" will involve such experts as Loren Graham, Professor Emeritus, of History of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Karin Mayer Rubinstein, CEO of the Israel Advanced Technology Industries; Monty Metzger, Partner at Digital Leaders Ventures; Michael Kogeler, General Manager of the Multicountry Europe at Microsoft, among others.

For the fourth year in a row, KIEF will feature renowned economists and influential representatives of public and financial sectors, including the governments of Ukraine and other countries, members of the European Commission, top managers of the EBRD and the EIB, owners of companies and CEOs of corporations, who will discuss the key issues of the Ukrainian economy.

Please, follow the news on the Forum's website http://forumkyiv.org/en and on the official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kyiveconomicforum

Kyiv International Economic Forum (KIEF) is a permanently operating venue for the formation of Ukrainian economic development strategy. It is aimed to set up a dialogue between experts, businesses and government, borrowing the best international practices, creating a road map for the development and promotion of the conversion of ideas into real action. www.forumkyiv.org/en

Interfax Ukraine is a media partner of Kyiv International Economic Forum.