HARNESSING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION FOR STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION: A CASE STUDY OF UZBEKISTAN’S PUBLIC SECTOR

Аннотация

Digital transformation has become essential for modernizing public services and governance systems. In Uzbekistan, e-government initiatives under the "Digital Uzbekistan 2030" framework signify a crucial step in improving transparency, efficiency, and service accessibility. The findings of this research reveal that Uzbekistan has made substantial progress in digitizing public services, particularly in urban areas, where platforms such as my.gov.uz have significantly streamlined bureaucratic processes and enhanced accessibility. However, critical challenges remain, including a pronounced digital divide between urban and rural areas, where limited infrastructure and internet access hinder e-government adoption. Cybersecurity measures are insufficient to fully protect sensitive public data, posing risks of breaches and undermining trust in digital platforms. Additionally, the lack of digital literacy among public sector employees and citizens significantly affects the effectiveness and sustainability of these initiatives. Using a qualitative approach, data were gathered from government reports, policy documents, academic literature, and interviews with IT professionals and government officials. The findings reveal significant progress in digitizing public services, especially in urban areas, but underscore persistent challenges such as rural infrastructure gaps, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and limited digital literacy. Addressing these issues through strategic investments and policy adjustments is critical to achieving a sustainable and inclusive digital transformation.