ENHANCING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Abstract: The accelerating pace of digital transformation has fundamentally reshaped the conditions under which industrial enterprises compete in domestic and global markets. This article examines the mechanisms through which digital technologies-artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), digital platforms, and industrial automation-enhance the competitiveness of industrial enterprises within the framework of the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). Drawing on the theoretical contributions of Porter, Schwab, Brynjolfsson and McAfee, and Bharadwaj et al., as well as statistical reports of the World Bank, IMF, OECD, UNCTAD, the World Economic Forum, ITU, and UNIDO, the study applies comparative analysis, systematic literature review, international benchmarking, and correlation analysis to assess the relationship between digitalization indicators and industrial competitiveness outcomes for the period 2020–2025. The empirical findings indicate a statistically significant positive correlation between the depth of digital technology adoption and indicators of industrial productivity, export competitiveness, and value-added growth, although this relationship is conditioned by complementary investments in digital infrastructure, human capital, and institutional quality. The article further analyzes the position of Uzbekistan within global digital competitiveness rankings and identifies structural barriers-limited digital skills, fragmented digital infrastructure, and constrained access to capital-that hinder the digital transformation of industrial enterprises in developing economies. The conclusion offers theoretical contributions to the digital competitiveness literature and practical, policy-relevant recommendations for accelerating digital industrial transformation, together with directions for future research.