Publication Details
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognized as a transformative force for sustainable economic development, yet its integration into developing economies presents unique structural and institutional challenges. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence on the sustainable development of Uzbekistan's economy by examining the challenges, opportunities, and future prospects associated with the country's transition to a market economy and its ongoing digital transformation. Unlike prior descriptive reviews, This paper employs a systematic literature review combined with a comparative institutional analysis of AI adoption in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Estonia. The novelty of this study lies in applying a comparative institutional analysis to evaluate Uzbekistan's readiness for the sustainable integration of artificial intelligence through a comparison with Kazakhstan and Estonia. Findings reveal that while AI offers significant potential for optimizing resource management in agriculture, enhancing energy efficiency, and modernizing public services, major impediments include a fragmented digital infrastructure, a severe shortage of skilled AI professionals, and the absence of a comprehensive ethical and regulatory framework. Critically, the study identifies a "digital dependency trap" risk, where premature adoption of foreign AI systems without local data sovereignty could undermine long-term economic resilience. The paper concludes by outlining a phased roadmap for AI integration that prioritizes human capital development, adaptive governance, and sector-specific pilot projects, offering actionable insights for policymakers and contributing to the theoretical discourse on technology-driven sustainable transitions in emerging economies.