DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, SME EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS, AND INDUSTRIAL UPGRADING: EVIDENCE FROM UZBEKISTAN'S MANUFACTURING SECTOR

This study aims to investigate the influence of digital transformation on the export competitiveness and industrial upgrading of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Uzbekistan's manufacturing sector. The research will examine the adoption and utilization of digital technologies, including e-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, automation technologies, and data analytics. Export competitiveness will be assessed using indicators such as export intensity, export market diversification, product quality, delivery reliability, and buyer retention. Industrial upgrading will be evaluated across four dimensions: process upgrading, product upgrading, functional upgrading, and value chain upgrading. The study will employ a mixed-methods research design combining a survey of 350–450 manufacturing SMEs, semi-structured interviews, and an analysis of official statistical data. Quantitative data will be examined using regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM), while qualitative interview data will be analyzed through thematic analysis. According to the figures presented for 2025, SMEs accounted for 34.9% of Uzbekistan's industrial output and 36.6% of national exports, highlighting their significant contribution to the country's economic development. The study is expected to identify the mechanisms through which digital technologies contribute to export performance, examine the factors influencing their adoption, and propose policy and managerial measures to facilitate the transition of manufacturing SMEs toward higher-value-added activities.