Digitalization and Economic Development in Uzbekistan: A Narrative Review with Descriptive Evidence

Digital services have grown rapidly in Uzbekistan in recent years. However, this growth does not necessarily mean that digitalization has improved productivity across the wider economy. This paper examines this issue by reviewing existing economic research, official statistics and policy reports. It focuses on two main aspects of digitalization: the growth of the digital services sector itself and the use of digital technologies by businesses and public institutions. Data from 2020 to 2024 show that the ICT sector's contribution to GDP has increased. Reports from IT Park Uzbekistan also indicate strong growth in digital service exports, although employment among resident companies remains concentrated in Tashkent. Previous international research suggests that the economic benefits of digitalization depend not only on access to technology but also on workers' skills and how businesses adapt their operations. An OECD assessment highlights similar challenges faced by firms in Uzbekistan. These findings suggest that expanding digital infrastructure alone may not be enough to achieve broader economic benefits. Businesses also need support in adopting and effectively using new technologies. While the available evidence shows progress in Uzbekistan's digital sector, it is not sufficient to conclude that digitalization has directly caused economic growth. The paper therefore suggests that future policies should pay more attention to productivity improvements across different industries, long-term employment opportunities and the efficiency of public service delivery.