Priority directions of the strategy for sustainable development of Uzbekistan’s regions

Abstract

Regional differences in the field of sustainable development are one of the most acute problems in emerging market economies. This study examines the strategic priorities of Uzbekistan’s sustainable regional development using a multidimensional analytical framework that combines economic activity indices, digital development indicators and institutional capacity assessments across twelve regions, the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the city of Tashkent. Using panel data for 2022–2024 obtained from the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan and international databases, an original integrated index of economic and digital development was compiled for each territorial unit. The results show significant inter-regional heterogeneity: Tashkent city and Navoi region consistently show high composite index values, while peripheral regions such as Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya remain in a low-development cluster. Using regression and correlation analysis together with scenario modelling, the authors identify foreign direct investment, the intensity of industrial production and the penetration of digital infrastructure as the main factors of sustainable growth. Drawing on a comparative analysis of EU cohesion policy, the OECD regional development framework and SDG integration practices, the article proposes a differentiated strategic model aligned with the five economic zones of Uzbekistan, and presents an integrated scenario-forecast regional model and a conceptual digital strategic planning platform.