The publication “National Digitalization Strategies of Central Asian States: Challenges and Opportunities” by Farrukh Hakimov, Head of Department at the Development Strategy Center (Uzbekistan), analyzes the current processes of digital transformation in the region by focusing on national digitalization strategies of Central Asian states. Moreover, based on findings concerning limits and problems of hindering digital development in Central Asia, it presents recommendations on reasonable digitalization policy and regional cooperation in the digital sphere.
The publication, in particular, notes that the role of digital technologies and the importance of effective informatization policy have been well actualized since the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic. For Central Asia’s nations especially – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, digitalization has the potential to modernize and integrate national economies into the global economy, overcome major constraints, ensure digital upgrades and build information society for the benefit of the population during the post-pandemic recovery period.
Under these circumstances, the Central Asian nations reportedly intend to improve their digital capacity and policy reforms in order to prevail over current and future challenges. In this regard, the current processes of digital transformation in the region have been analyzed by focusing on national digitalization strategies of the Central Asian nations in the context of digital responses to the global pandemic. Moreover, based on findings concerning the limits and problems of hindering digital development in Central Asia, policy recommendations have been presented on reasonable digitalization policy and regional cooperation in the digital sphere.
The following are the key findings:
– All the Central Asian nations are implementing ambitious national strategies and programs which seek out transformation into a true information society by creating a digital economy and digital government as well as achieving sustainable economic growth.
– Although approaches of the Central Asian nations to the national Information-communication technologies (ICT) development and digitalization differ, however, they face common challenges and obstacles such as: digital divide at national and regional levels; the legislative framework, especially regarding privacy and personal data protection; resource-related financial, technical and infrastructural obstacles; internet insufficiency, its cost and speed; the absence of qualified professionals with information technology (IT) skills; low-lying public trust in online platforms; and lesser level of digital literacy.
– Narrowing the digital divide at national and regional levels should be the priority for policy-makers and other stakeholders in the Central Asian nations.
– Bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the Central Asian nations and international partners is needed to decrease the digital divide at regional level.
– Introducing the right policy framework to enhance digitalization could strengthen not only legislative basis but also international cooperation for better information exchange and experience sharing.
– Privacy and data protection in the national legislative frameworks of Central Asia’s nations should be reflected upon and guaranteed. In this regard, the best foreign experience would be the EU policy of Protection of Personal Data and Privacy.
– Enhancing affordability of and access to ICT, improving quality and cost of the Internet will not only contribute to narrow the digital divide within countries and enhance digital learning platforms, but also increase digital literacy and competences among Central Asian populations.
– The Central Asian nations should further support private sector’s own digital transition by helping companies move toward e-commerce and by providing all possible assistance.
– It is necessary to attract more international partners and donors to ICT sector of the region. Investing in digital eco-system, ICT infrastructure and qualified IT services will facilitate Central Asia’s nations modernize national economies and accelerate inclusive growth in all spheres.
