Publication Details
Abstract
In the context of the radical modernization of Uzbekistan’s economy, enhancing the competitiveness of service enterprises has become a strategic objective. Despite the growing significance of the service sector, its development is constrained by outdated institutional frameworks and the lack of coordinated efforts between key stakeholders. Current literature provides fragmented analyses of institutional factors, often neglecting the dual role they play in enabling and hindering enterprise competitiveness. This study aims to identify and evaluate institutional conditions legal, financial, technological, and infrastructural that influence the competitiveness of service enterprises, with particular attention to public-private partnerships. The findings reveal that a combination of enabling legal regulations, financial accessibility, skilled labor availability, digital infrastructure, and intersectoral collaboration significantly contribute to enterprise competitiveness. Conversely, institutional barriers such as bureaucracy, corruption, and institutional inertia obstruct progress. A comprehensive classification of institutional factors was developed to distinguish between encouraging and obstructive elements. This paper uniquely integrates institutional theory with service enterprise development, proposing a systematic framework for institutional factor analysis. Policymakers and stakeholders should harmonize institutional reforms with the practical needs of service enterprises by streamlining legislation, supporting vocational education, fostering innovation, and promoting PPPs. These efforts are critical for achieving a sustainable and competitive service sector.