On October 30, StrategEast held a Policy Dialogue session titled “Digital Ecosystems in Central Asia: Building SME Resilience and Competitiveness Through Technology and Innovation.” The session was part of the StrategEast Policy Dialogue Initiative, a series of in-depth discussions exploring policies, innovations, and public-private partnerships driving Eurasia’s digital transformation.
The discussion brought together key regional and international experts to examine how digital ecosystems can empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhance their competitiveness, and strengthen resilience against economic shocks.
The panel featured Zsuzsanna Hargitai, Managing Director for the SME Finance and Development Group at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); Oleg Puzanov, Chief Strategy Officer at Mad Devs and Enji.ai (Kyrgyzstan). The session was moderated by Hanna Myshko, StrategEast Regional Director for the Gulf States, Ukraine, and Moldova.
Panelists explored how strategic use of technology, innovation, and supportive policy frameworks can help SMEs in Central Asia overcome structural barriers, access new markets, and drive inclusive economic growth.
The session concluded with the development of a concise set of policy recommendations for governments, development institutions, and private sector stakeholders to accelerate SME digital transformation across the region.
The StrategEast Policy Dialogue series continues to serve as a premier platform for international collaboration and policy innovation, supporting Eurasia’s journey toward a resilient, digital future.
