Digital transformation and agricultural competitiveness in Central Asia: A comparative empirical analysis
Abstract
Digital transformation has become a key driver of agricultural development in Central Asia, where enhancing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector is of strategic importance for ensuring sustainable economic growth and food security. This study aimed to assess the relationship between digitalisation and agricultural competitiveness through a comparative analysis of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The empirical analysis was based on statistical data for the period 2010-2023 obtained from the World Development Indicators database, FAOSTAT, and official national statistical sources. To evaluate the study variables, composite indices of digitalisation and agricultural competitiveness were developed using the Min-Max normalisation method. The relationship between the indices was examined using descriptive statistics, comparative cross-country analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis. The findings indicate that digitalisation increased steadily across all four countries, whereas the dynamics of agricultural competitiveness differed substantially. A strong positive correlation between the two indices was identified for Kazakhstan (r = 0.97), Uzbekistan (r = 0.99), and Tajikistan (r = 0.98), while Kyrgyzstan exhibited a strong negative correlation (r = -0.95). The findings suggest that the impact of digitalisation on agricultural competitiveness depends not only on the diffusion of digital technologies but also on the quality of the institutional environment, the structural characteristics of the agricultural sector, and the efficiency of resource utilisation. The novelty of the study lies in the comprehensive assessment of the relationship between digitalisation and agricultural competitiveness in Central Asian countries based on the proposed composite indices, which made it possible to demonstrate that this relationship is shaped by country-specific characteristics of agricultural development. The findings may support the formulation of public policies and digital transformation strategies aimed at improving resource efficiency, strengthening agricultural competitiveness, and promoting the sustainable development of rural areas