Stages of Formation and Development Factors of the Digital Economy in Uzbekistan

The article covers the formation stages of the digital economy in the Republic of Uzbekistan and unveils the key development factors. Based on policy documents, sector reports and recent research, three major formation stages are distinguished that early digital infrastructure and policy inception, intensive growth and institutionalization, maturing and sectoral integration. The development factors are divided into technological-infrastructural, regulatory-institutional, human-capital, and external/market-oriented. The findings highlight that while there has been significant advancement in Uzbekistan (e.g. through the "Digital Uzbekistan 2030" programme), there remain significant challenges in human capital, regulatory harmonisation, and private sector vibrancy. The paper concludes with implications for policy makers along with suggestions for further research.