DIGITALIZATION, INNOVATION, AND GREEN TECHNOLOGIES IN CENTRAL ASIA: PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

In the contemporary era, technological advancements and sustainability have become central to the development agendas of nations across the globe. The role of digitalization, innovation, and green technologies in achieving sustainable development has garnered increasing attention as countries seek to modernize their economies while addressing environmental challenges. Digitalization offers the potential to transform industries, streamline public services, and foster economic growth, while innovation ecosystems encourage entrepreneurship and technological progress. At the same time, the integration of green technologies, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, is crucial for mitigating environmental degradation and achieving energy security.Central Asia, a region composed of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, is positioned uniquely at the intersection of these global trends. With its vast natural resources, youthful population, and strategic location, Central Asia has the potential to harness digitalization and innovation to propel its economic development. Moreover, the region's substantial renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, offer significant opportunities for green technology adoption. However, despite these advantages, Central Asia faces a complex set of challenges, including infrastructure gaps, regulatory barriers, and institutional inefficiencies. Considering these notions, this paper attempts to gauge the specific ways in which Central Asia is capitalising on digital technologies, fostering innovation ecosystems, and integrating green technologies into its development framework. It evaluates the efforts of individual countries in the region to transition towards a digital economy and a green future, with particular focus on initiatives such as Uzbekistan's ‘Digital Uzbekistan 2030’, Kazakhstan's green hydrogen projects, and other intiaitves within this belt. Through a review of policy frameworks, institutional capacities, and regional cooperation, the paper infers the key synergies and challenges involved in this multidimensional transformationthat could lead Central Asia toward a more sustainable and digitally empowered future.