DRIVING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN UZBEKISTAN: THE ROLE OF IT PARK AND INNOVATION HUBS IN ENHANCING PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS

Uzbekistan’s ambitious Digital Uzbekistan 2030 strategy outlines the country's commitment to fostering a robust digital economy, aimed at enhancing productivity, promoting innovation, and positioning itself as a regional technology leader.[1] Among its flagship initiatives is IT Park Uzbekistan, a government-backed innovation hub established to accelerate the development of the national IT sector by supporting startups, digital service exporters, and technological entrepreneurs.[2] This paper analyses the role of IT Park Uzbekistan within the broader framework of digital transformation policies, using OECD assessments of the country’s digital skills landscape and institutional framework as context. [1] Mirziyoyev, Sh. M. (2023). Raqamli iqtisodiyotsiz mamlakat iqtisodiyotining kelajagi yoʻq. Tashkent: Oʻzbekiston Respublikasi Prezidenti Matbuot Xizmati. p. 4. [2] Olimov, A. A. (2024). Transformation of the economy in the digital era: Experience of Uzbekistan and development strategies. International Journal of Management and Economics Fundamental.​