PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS AND PRIVATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Аннотация

This thesis analyzes the issues of developing small businesses and private entrepreneurship in the digital economy. Factors such as increasing the efficiency of business entities through the introduction of digital technologies, expanding their access to markets, and improving the quality of interactive services are considered. Also, problems such as the existing infrastructure, the level of digital literacy, information security, and regional differences are identified, and scientific and practical proposals are developed to eliminate them. Based on the results of the research, the need for a comprehensive and phased approach to the digitization of small businesses is substantiated. Keywords: Digital economy, small business, private entrepreneurship, digital transformation, e-commerce, digital literacy, information security, state support, innovative infrastructure, territorial inequality. Digital technologies have become an integral part of the modern economy and are becoming the basis for fundamental reforms in all areas. The development of digital infrastructure, especially in the areas of small business and private entrepreneurship, is fundamentally changing the business environment. The Republic of Uzbekistan is pursuing a consistent policy in this direction, and the implementation of the “Digital Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy is creating new opportunities for business entities [1]. This strategy is aimed at forming the foundations of the digital economy, transforming public services into electronic form, and strengthening IT infrastructure. Small businesses and private entrepreneurship are recognized as an important factor in the country's economic development, serving as a key tool for ensuring employment, diversifying sources of income, and achieving social stability [3]. Digital technologies are becoming an important factor in increasing the efficiency of these sectors, expanding access to markets, and improving the quality of customer service. From this perspective, accelerating technological integration for small businesses in the digital economy is a priority. Also, the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PQ– 4699 of April 28, 2020, established a comprehensive set of measures for the 49 ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE International scientific-online conference development of the digital economy [2]. This resolution is aimed at ensuring the active participation of small business representatives in the areas of e- government, digital financial services, and e-commerce. At the same time, existing problems in the field - human resource capacity, level of digital literacy, and regional disparities - still remain relevant. Currently, the issue of increasing the flexibility of small businesses in the context of economic and technological transformation is being studied in depth from a scientific and practical perspective. Experts note that the introduction of digital solutions in small businesses serves to increase efficiency and innovative activity [4]. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of this process and the development of solutions based on an integrated approach to existing problems are urgent tasks today. In recent years, the development of the digital economy has radically changed the activities of small businesses and private entrepreneurship, and many scientific studies have been carried out in this area. In particular, XX Toirov in his study analyzed the role of the presence of digital infrastructure in expanding the activities of small businesses and increasing their efficiency [5]. According to the author, the rate of creation of new business entities is also significantly faster in regions with a high level of use of digital services. Also, research conducted by SS Kadirova has highlighted that the level of digital literacy and skills in using digital technologies of small businesses directly affect their competitiveness [6]. This study specifically analyzes the benefits of accessing e-commerce platforms and automating tax reporting. Another important study was conducted by BT Rajabova, which highlighted the institutional framework for small business support policies in the digital economic environment [7]. The author analyzed the role of state-created coordination systems (for example, the “Single Interactive State Services Portal”) in the digitalization of entrepreneurship and their effectiveness based on statistical data. She also highlighted the favorable aspects of state policy in the digitalization of small businesses, such as tax breaks and online access to credit resources. In his research, MT Khudoyberganov discussed the challenges of digitizing small businesses, including insufficient technical infrastructure, a shortage of qualified IT specialists, and digital disparities between regions [8]. The author assessed the effectiveness of digital reforms across regions by modeling the economic consequences of these problems. 50 ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODER