Digitalization as the basis for increasing the competitiveness of industrial enterprises in the conditions of Industry 4.0

Abstract

This article considers conceptual and practical aspects of the digital economy and industrial digitalization in new conditions. It explores the main trends of digitalization in the context of Industry 4.0, based on which recommendations for implementing digital technologies in the industry of Tajikistan are elaborated. In the course of the study, it was determined that the introduction of digital technologies can reduce transaction costs, accelerate production and management processes, and boost labor productivity, thereby improving the competitiveness of industrial enterprises. This article also identifies the main problems hindering the process of digitalization of the economy of Tajikistan in general, and industry in particular. Based on the results of the study, ways to resolve existing problems are proposed. In particular, the study substantiates the need to solve the problems of developing IT infrastructure and the industrial Internet, improving institutional support and the state regulation system, reducing dependence on foreign technologies and software products, solving problems of human resources for digitalization, and developing automated process control systems. The study also substantiates: the prospects for the development of a new industrial policy; the creation of a state system for supporting and stimulating private information systems; the creation of an ecosystem for the development of digital technologies, in particular through the extension of cooperation between market participants; and the intensification and encouragement the use of Internet technologies to manage production processes, supplies and sales, marketing and communications. It is also important to address issues related to: creating conditions for the development of technologies for collecting, analyzing and using big data; creating a system for generating modern software that allows collecting, analyzing, and building algorithms and using large amounts of data; developing the practice of automation and robotization of industrial production; and optimizing the use of cutting-edge technologies and the development of predictive analytics. The study indicates that it is necessary to resolve issues related to technological competencies, the business environment, investment policy, the quality of the business environment and the level of its development, as well as issues of a structural and component nature. To increase the competitiveness of industrial enterprises in the context of Industry 4.0, it is also necessary to: create an effective business foresight system; identify customer needs, including personalized products and services; create the necessary ecosystem with conditions for effective interaction between participants; and use artificial intelligence to predict the scale of the business and a combination of its various types.