REGIONAL DIGITAL ECONOMY POLICY AND SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT MECHANISMS: THE CASE OF KASHKADARYA REGION

Аннотация

The development of the digital economy has become a central priority of state economic policy, particularly in regions seeking to enhance small business growth and competitiveness. This article examines regional digital economy policy and institutional mechanisms supporting small business development in the Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan. The study analyzes state policy frameworks, regional development programs, digital infrastructure expansion, and the normative-legal environment shaping digital transformation. Using qualitative policy analysis and regional institutional assessment, the article demonstrates that targeted digitalization policies significantly improve access to markets, public services, and financial instruments for small businesses. At the same time, structural and institutional constraints continue to limit the full realization of digital economic potential. The findings contribute to the academic discourse on regional digital policy and provide practical implications for improving small business support mechanisms