Digital Skills for Private Sector Competitiveness in Uzbekistan
Since 2019, digital transformation has been a clear policy priority in Uzbekistan. While the country has made significant progress in terms of Internet access, quality and affordability, digital uptake among firms remains low. This lack of digital skills seems to be a limiting factor affecting the digital transformation of business.
Based on recent OECD work on digitalisation, this report examines what is holding back the digital upskilling of businesses in Uzbekistan. It suggests three sets of policy actions: (1) developing a supportive institutional framework for the digital uptake of firms; (2) raising firms’ awareness of the importance of acquiring digital and complementary skills; and (3) expanding existing support to digitalise while addressing the gender digital divide.
Also available in: Russian
Foreword
The Government of Uzbekistan has recognised the importance of digitalisation in modernising the economy and promoting the well-being of citizens. The Digital Uzbekistan 2030 strategy, adopted in October 2020, has set the course for the development of five priority areas in the country: digital infrastructure, digital economy, e-government, the national IT sector and IT education. The strategy has already contributed significantly to the development of e-government services and improved access to digital infrastructure across the country. However, limited public-sector understanding of the digital skills needs of the private sector and SMES’ low digital uptake reduce the effectiveness of the government’s digital transformation agenda.
Also available in: Russian
- Click to access:
-
Click to download PDF - 315.83KBPDF