DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AS A DRIVER OF REGIONAL ECONOMIC RESILIENCE: EVIDENCE FROM CENTRAL ASIAN ECONOMIES

Abstract

This paper examines the role of digital transformation in enhancing economic resilience across Central Asian regions, with particular focus on the relationship between digital infrastructure development and economic growth patterns during 2019-2024. Results indicate that regions with accelerated digital transformation experienced 2.3 percentage points higher GDP growth and demonstrated greater resilience during economic shocks. The study identifies critical success factors including public-private partnerships in infrastructure development, digital literacy programs, and regulatory frameworks supporting innovation. These findings suggest that strategic digital transformation initiatives can serve as powerful tools for reducing regional economic disparities and building resilience against external shocks in developing economies.