In the countries of North and Central Asia (NCA), digital public services (DPS) are on the rise. More than six million people have used e-government portals, accessing over 760 electronic services. Digitalization in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) fosters their growth and competitiveness in the global market. It enhances transparency, improves accessibility for businesses, and streamlines interactions with government agencies.
In 2024, the ESCAP secretariat, with support from the Russian Federation, is implementing a joint project to strengthen the existing policies and regulatory framework of digitally enabled public services and platforms in NCA countries to benefit SMEs tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs and businesses. The project carried out research in three target countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, and developed an analytical framework on the effectiveness of the DPS for SMEs.
The preliminary findings of the study and next steps within the framework of the project were presented and discussed with the participants at the Subregional Workshop on Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Development with a focus on Digital Public Services for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in North and Central Asia held 26-28 June 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. During the high-level policy exchange on DPS for enhanced competitiveness of SMEs” held on 4 September 2024 on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation in Astana, Kazakhstan, the high-level speakers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, Thailand and discussants from public service providers, SMEs, global health and youth networks shared on existing practices on the digital transformation of SME-oriented digital public services in ESCAP countries, and highlighted lessons learned and policy recommendations.
The purpose of the capacity-building workshop, planned on the margins of Innoweek in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is to sensitize the NCA government officials on current issues faced by SMEs when utilizing digital public services, explore existing and new analytical and planning tools, and review the best international practices. The participants will also visualize the future of digital public services in connection with new emerging technologies like AI and blockchain through an interactive strategic foresight session.
Objectives:
Through an overview of national and international practices and experiences, interactive discussions and a session of the foresight on the future of digital public services for SMEs, participants will:
- Gain insights and overview of SME’s needs and policy and legal grounds, leading to new opportunities,
- Review cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and transparency in government services for SMEs.
- Envision the shared future of DPS for SMEs.
Format of the meeting
Participants (By *Registration Only)
- Government national focal points from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and NCA
- International experts on digital public services
- International experts on AI and blockchain, strategic foresight planning
- Project resource persons