Publication Details
Abstract
Structural transformation is a fundamental driver of long-term economic development, influencing productivity, employment, and regional balance. In Uzbekistan, and particularly in the Khorezm region, economic development has been hampered by structural imbalances, high production costs, and inefficient use of local resources. Despite state reforms, persistent issues in energy dependency, low investment activity, and technological stagnation continue to inhibit regional growth. Previous studies have inadequately addressed the localized dynamics of structural changes in the regional context, especially in relation to the quality of economic growth and the sustainability of transformation strategies. This study aims to analyze the features and dynamics of structural changes in the regional economy, identify structural weaknesses, and propose strategies aligned with national development goals. The analysis reveals that while the gross regional product per capita showed a stable upward trend, the quality index of economic growth fluctuated sharply from 2010 to 2023, notably declining during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results underscore a misalignment between quantitative growth and qualitative structural reform. The study introduces a region-specific mechanism for assessing structural changes using indicators of mass, speed, and intensity, while emphasizing the interplay between modernization, diversification, and regional competitiveness. Effective implementation of structural policy requires synchronized sectoral and regional strategies, increased investment in high-tech industries, improved monitoring systems, and institutional reforms to promote innovation, employment, and sustainable regional development.