Uzbekistan has made significant strides in digital transformation, as evidenced by its improved rankings in international indices such as the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) and the GovTech Maturity Index. With over 76.3% of public services digitized and accessible via the my.gov.uz portal, Uzbekistan is transitioning towards a more inclusive digital ecosystem. However, the potential of digital public services for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) remains underutilized, with only 10% of SMEs registered on the portal.
SMEs are vital to Uzbekistan’s economy, contributing 51% of GDP and employing 74% of the workforce. Enhancing digital public services tailored to SMEs can foster economic growth, streamline business operations, and reduce bureaucratic barriers.
Objectives:
Assess the Current State: Evaluate the accessibility, usability, and effectiveness of digital public services for SMEs.
Identify Challenges: Highlight barriers SMEs face in accessing and utilizing digital services.
Propose Solutions: Develop actionable recommendations to increase SME engagement with digital platforms.
Foster Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships between government bodies, SMEs, and technology providers.
Methodology: interactive consultations using causal layered analysis, futures triangle and scenario development
Participants (only by * invitation)
Representatives of government bodies of the Republic of Uzbekistan responsible for both policy formation and service delivery
International experts in digital government services
Academia and business community: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, Assembly of Economy of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
Invited experts from ESCAP
Organizer: National Office for Innovation Implementation and Technology Transfer, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovations of Uzbekistan, Digital Government Project Management Centre, Ministry of Digital Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan and UN ESCAP.
Language: Uzbek, Russian and English
Contact persons:
Dr. Temur Makhkamov, ESCAP consultant; Dr. Aida Karazhanova, ESCAP IDD