INFORMATION POLICY AS A TOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITALIZATION

Abstract

The article presents a thorough theoretical and analytical study of information policy as a system-forming tool of public administration in the context of digitalization of social, political and administrative processes. It is proved that in the modern information society, information acquires the status of a strategic resource of the state, and effective information policy becomes a necessary condition for ensuring the effectiveness of public administration, the stability of the institutional system and democratic development. The paper summarizes scientific approaches to determining the essence, content and functional purpose of state information policy, and also determines its place in the structure of public administration mechanisms. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the impact of digitalization on the transformation of forms, methods and tools for implementing information policy, in particular through the introduction of e-government, digital services, e-democracy platforms and modern channels of public communication between authorities and citizens. It is substantiated that the digital environment significantly expands the state's capabilities in terms of prompt information, feedback and public involvement in the processes of making managerial decisions, while at the same time actualizing the problems of information security, disinformation and manipulative influence on public consciousness. The institutional and legal mechanisms for the formation and implementation of information policy are analyzed, their features at the national and local levels of public administration are determined, as well as the role of state authorities and local self-government in the formation of a single information space. Considerable attention is focused on the security dimension of information policy in conditions of hybrid threats and martial law, where it acts as a tool for protecting national interests, strengthening public stability and countering information operations. The European integration context of the implementation of the state information policy of Ukraine is separately considered, which involves the adaptation of managerial approaches to European standards of openness, transparency and accountability, as well as the use of information mechanisms to form public support for reforms and a positive international image of the state. It is concluded that in the context of digitalization, information policy acquires a comprehensive, interdisciplinary character and acts as an important factor in increasing the efficiency of public administration, the institutional capacity of public authorities, public trust and sustainable development of the state.