Classification and Theoretical Foundations of Business Processes of Enterprises in The Conditions of Regional Economy

This paper examines the conceptual apparatus, classification principles and theoretical foundations of business processes in enterprises functioning within a regional economy. Drawing on the process-oriented approach (Hammer & Champy, Davenport), the value-chain framework (Porter), and contemporary regional economics, the study systematizes existing typologies of business processes and proposes an extended multi-criteria classification adapted to regional specifics. The study is empirically tested on a sample of 180 industrial enterprises from three regions of Uzbekistan (Tashkent, Fergana, Samarkand) during 2020–2024. Statistical analysis, correlation and regression modelling demonstrate that enterprises which formalized and digitized their main business processes achieve 18.7% higher labour productivity and 12.4% higher return on assets than enterprises relying on functional management. The paper proposes a Business Process Maturity Index (BPMI) and reveals inter-regional gradients in process digitalization. It concludes with a theoretical model linking regional infrastructure, institutional environment and maturity of business processes with enterprise competitiveness. Practical recommendations are offered for regional authorities and enterprise managers.