Digitalization in the global economy and its impact on the labor market
Tashkent State University of Economics
Faculty of Economics Student
Nematova Zarina Ochilboyevna
Email: zarinanematova.oo7@gamil.com
Tel:(+998) 93 869 11 30
Annotatsiya: Ushbu maqolada XXI asrda texnologiyalarning iqtisodiyotdagi ajralmas o`rni hamda raqamli iqtisodiyotning jadal rivojlanishi yoritib beriladi. Zamonaviy kasblarda raqamlashtirish imkoniyatlaridan samarali foydalanish masalalari tahlil qilinadi. Tadqiqotda statistic va qiyosiy tahlil usullaridan foydalaniladi. Shuningdek yaqin kelajakda raqamlashtirish jarayonlarining mehnat bozoriga ta`sir darajasi o`rganib chiqiladi.
Abstract: This article explores the integral role of technology in the 21st-century economy and the rapid development of the digital economy. It analyzes issues related to the effective utilization of digitalization opportunities in modern professions. The study employs statistical and comparative analysis methods. Furthermore, it examines the potential impact of digitalization processes on the labor market in the near future.
Аннотация: В данной статье рассматривается неотъемлемая роль технологий в экономике XXI века и стремительное развитие цифровой экономики. Анализируются вопросы эффективного использования возможностей цифровизации в современных профессиях. В исследовании применяются статистические и сравнительные методы анализа. Кроме того, изучается степень влияния процессов цифровизации на рынок труда в ближайшем будущем.
Introduction. The widespread adoption of Internet technologies and the development of cloud computing services have led to the integration of digital and automated tools across various sectors of the economy. These processes are bringing significant changes to the labor market. This article moves away from the one-sided view that artificial intelligence and digitalization reduce jobs, and instead analyzes modern professions emerging alongside them, such as data analysts, artificial intelligence specialists, and digital marketing managers.
Researchers emphasize that automation and digitalization may lead to the reduction or disappearance of certain professions. For instance, according to McKinsey Global Institute (2017), at least 30 percent of existing occupational activities can be automated with current technologies. The main purpose of this article is to highlight these changes.
Research methodology. This article is based on a survey study. On January 31, 2026, a survey was conducted among more than 50 citizens rushing to work in different districts of Tashkent city. Respondents were asked about their profession, the role of technology in daily life, and their income level.
The analysis of income levels showed that specialists in artificial intelligence and information technology earn relatively higher salaries.
Literature review. In 2020, V. Bahriddinov studied the impact of the digital economy on the labor market, particularly analyzing the emergence of new digital professions and the transformation of existing jobs.
In 2022, Ixodjayev published a scientific article examining the effectiveness of applying digital technologies in the labor market, highlighting the direct impact of digital skills on employment opportunities.
- Shodiyev analyzed the relationship between digital skills and the labor market, identifying the lack of preparedness of the workforce for modern technologies as a pressing issue.
- Soliyev and M. Ergashev studied the alignment between the digital education system and labor market requirements, scientifically proving the need for their coordination.
In the late 1940s, the emergence of the first computers capable of processing large volumes of information spurred the development of computerization on a wide scale. By the 1960s, the first automated management systems were created and implemented in production management. In subsequent decades, the scientific community contributed significantly to shaping the foundation of the digital economy as a system based on digital technologies.
Some researchers focus not on the direct link between job descriptions and the risk of job loss, but rather on which types of work are unlikely to be automated or replaced by artificial intelligence. For example, Autor (2015), Fagan (2017), Furman (2017), and Couple (2019) emphasize creativity and problem-solving abilities. Brynjolfsson, McAfee, and Jurvetson (2015) highlight the importance of developing skills in idea generation, pattern recognition, decision-making, and complex communication. Mokyr, Vickers, and Ziebarth (2015) consider codifiable and repetitive tasks as the most suitable candidates for mechanization.
Morikawa (2017) found that in Japan, employees with professional or graduate degrees in natural sciences or professional licenses were less fearful of losing their jobs due to automation and robots. However, according to Morikawa, younger generations assess the risk of job loss higher, as they face a long period of technological development ahead. Conversely, a study conducted in New Zealand (Heatley 2020) showed that attitudes toward the idea that “robots and AI will take people’s jobs” did not differ significantly by age. However, the same study revealed a notable difference between those earning above $50,000 and those earning less, with lower-income groups expressing greater concern.
Van Ark (2016) discussed the “productivity paradox,” noting that despite the widespread adoption of digital technologies, productivity growth remains uneven across sectors. Bessen (2019) emphasized that the impact on employment is not only linked to automation but also to demand-side reactions. Similarly, ILO (2021) noted the transformative yet uneven impact of digital labor platforms on global employment structures.
The development of ICT in Uzbekistan was carried out in accordance with the National Program for the Development of the Information and Communication System of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2013–2025. As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted in his speech at the expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in 2016, dedicated to the main results of the country’s socio-economic development and the most important priorities of the economic program for 2017: “Our next urgent and future task is to ensure the effective functioning of the ‘Electronic Government’ system.” Taking into account the tasks set, the Ministry for the Development of Information Technologies and Communications of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the World Bank planned to implement joint projects in the field of the digital economy and e-government. The current stage of digital economy development in Uzbekistan is characterized as a formative period with high growth dynamics.
Decrees and Decisions of the Republic of Uzbekistan
- “Digital Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy
- Regulatory documents governing IT Park activities
- Decisions on electronic payments and digital banking services
More than 1,000 public services, 5,000 functions, 240 databases, and the powers of over 100,000 civil servants will be integrated. Applications will be received, distributed among executors, and monitored by artificial intelligence. By 2026, the number of proactive and consolidated public services will reach 100.
Research results
The research results show that 31 respondents were representatives of computer-based fields, 19 were engaged in physical activities requiring human involvement, and 7 refused to answer. The findings indicate that this sector is developing rapidly and that demand for AI experts is increasing.
Both developed and developing countries have identified digitalization as one of the key areas. Just like electricity, artificial intelligence has become an integral part of our lives. In the future, AI will not eliminate human jobs; rather, professions will adapt and evolve. New jobs will be created in fields such as AI, Data Science, Machine Learning Engineering, Software Development, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing. Modern professions will emerge, and demand for experts in their fields will remain strong. It should also be noted that specialists with academic skills are more competitive in the labor market.
According to job posting analysis, demand for AI and machine learning skills has increased by approximately 65%, demand for data analytics skills by about 56%, and demand in automation and robotics by around 36%.
Discussion
The study examined the extent of digitalization in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, as a representative of developing countries. The 7 respondents who refused to answer may fear that demand for their professions will decline in the coming years. R. Shodiyev identified the workforce’s lack of readiness for digital technologies as a pressing issue. However, it should be emphasized that significant changes are currently being implemented in the education sector, with the aim of preparing high-quality specialists in the future. Morikawa (2017) also noted that young generations face a long period of technological development, which increases the perceived risk of job loss. However, Bessen’s studies in the United States and New Zealand show that mainly those with only secondary education fear losing their jobs.
Conclusion
Digitalization has already become an inseparable part of our lives. Both developed and developing countries are adopting digitalization and artificial intelligence in their economies and other sectors. Digitalization and AI are created by humans and remain under human control. Their purpose is to make life and daily activities easier. While some jobs may be reduced, new ones will be created. Professions will modernize and evolve alongside technology. These include AI specialists, Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, Software Developers, Cybersecurity Experts, and many others. The results of our research also confirm this trend: demand for specialists in their fields will always remain strong in the labor market.
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