THE IMPACT OF DİGİTAL ECONOMY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL BUSİNESS İN KASHKADARYA REGİON: TRENDS, CHALLENGES, AND STRATEGİC OPPORTUNİTİES

Abstract

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the digital economy has emerged as a fundamental driver of regional development. This paper explores the transformative effects of digitalization on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan. Using a combination of statistical analysis and qualitative evaluation, the research investigates how digital infrastructure, e-commerce adoption, and fintech integration contribute to business scalability and operational efficiency. The study highlights that while Kashkadarya possesses significant industrial and agricultural potential, the full realization of digital benefits is hindered by regional disparities in infrastructure and digital literacy. The findings provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers to foster a resilient digital ecosystem in Southern Uzbekistan