The Power of Digitalization, the Hainan Free Trade Port, and Regulations for Modern Economic Development in Turkmenistan Are Significant

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

"First of all, I want to congratulate you for a well written paper, covering an actual and important topic: the degree of nationwide digitalization in Turkmenistan, which is investigated through several metrics such as: no. of cellular mobile connections, active social media users, internet users, ICT adoption, mobile network coverage, digital banking users, the dynamic growth of mobile banking users, etc. However, I have a few comments:

- In order to increase readability and coherence, you should organize the paper following the traditional research paper structure: Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Results and discussion and Conclusion. 

- in the Experimental Protocols (or research methodology if you chose to reorganize the paper) section, you should clearly state which is the main objective of your paper and which research questions are you trying to answer or what research hypothesis you are aiming to validate during your research. Moreover, you should clearly state where did you collect your data (as it's comprised of only secondary datsa) from, how did you analyse this data and how are these results related to your research objective and research questions/hypothesis. At the same time, the results and discussion section should be organized around these research questions/hypothesis. 

- It is not clear which is the source for Figure 1, Figure 3, Figure 4. Please clarify this matter,

- Table 1 is showing data only for 2021. Please clarify why is only 2021 relevant for your research, otherwise include data from all the years shown in the table 

- the titles for Figure 3 and Figure 4 are confusing. Please clarify"

Author Response

Response to reviewers' comments below and also attached pdf enclosed 

(Manuscript Ref: sustainability-3068118)

The authors gratefully thank the reviewers for their comments and suggestions. We appreciate the reviewer's comments and advice to improve the quality of our manuscript. We have enclosed the revised manuscript wherein we have addressed all the comments point by point and revised the manuscript accordingly. The major comments are addressed below. All the changes made in the manuscript were highlighted in yellow color.

 

Reviewer #1: First of all, I want to congratulate you for a well written paper, covering an actual and important topic: the degree of nationwide digitalization in Turkmenistan, which is investigated through several metrics such as no. of cellular mobile connections, active social media users, internet users, ICT adoption, mobile network coverage, digital banking users, the dynamic growth of mobile banking users, etc. However, I have a few comments:

Response: Thank you for your comments and response, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your thorough and positive review of our manuscript, thank you once again for your constructive review. We try our best to improve the quality of our manuscript based on your scholarly suggestions.

 

Reviewer comment# 1. - In order to increase readability and coherence, you should organize the paper following the traditional research paper structure: Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Results and Discussion and Conclusion.

Response to Reviewer: Thank you, reviewer, for raising this concern. In the revised manuscript, we have included the research paper structure according to your advice, and recommendations, and revised the structure in the main document as shown below. Once again, thank you for helping us structure our manuscript; it now looks more academic.
       

1. Introduction
2. Research Methodology
3. Literature Review
4. Discussion and Analysis
5. Conclusions and Future Directions of Research

Reviewer comment# 2.- in the Experimental Protocols (or research methodology if you chose to reorganize the paper) section, you should clearly state which is the main objective of your paper and which research questions are you trying to answer or what research hypothesis you are aiming to validate during your research. Moreover, you should clearly state where did you collect your data (as it's comprised of only secondary datsa) from, how did you analyse this data and how are these results related to your research objective and research questions/hypothesis. At the same time, the results and discussion section should be organized around these research questions/hypothesis. 

Response to Reviewer: Thank you, reviewer, for revisiting this question for further discussion. We appreciate the reviewer's comments. In the revised manuscript, we have provided a detailed comparison clearly stating the main objective of our paper and the research questions we aim to address or the research hypothesis we seek to validate. Additionally, we have analyzed digital and traditional dispute resolution methods, including a comparison of the advantages of traditional methods and their drawbacks. The revised version of the manuscript is presented below.

The main research method and objective of our study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of digitalization on Turkmenistan's economic development. What are the main directions and priorities of Turkmenistan's national development concepts and legislative frameworks regarding the digital economy, how does digitalization affect productivity metrics, GDP growth, and investments in digital infrastructure? This included an extensive analysis of government initiatives, plans, and directives aimed at promoting the use of new technologies and the digital transformation of various industries. Through carefully examining and categorizing relevant documents, such as national development plans, digital economy roadmaps, and legislative and regulatory agendas. The quantitative part of the study involved using available statistical data to assess the economic effects of digitalization, investments in digital infrastructure, and the adoption rates of technology across different industries. To ensure the accuracy and validity of the dataset, we sought to obtain data directly from government agencies and international organizations, such as the World Bank, the International Telecommunication Union, the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Statistics, the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, whenever possible and the identification of various perspectives. Each statistical method was chosen based on its suitability for analyzing specific for example, regression models were used to determine the relationship between digitalization and GDP growth, while comparative analysis helped assess differences in technology adoption rates across different industries. Understand that using official data from government and international organizations already provides a high degree of reliability and credibility. However, where available, cross-referenced data from multiple sources to enhance the accuracy of our analysis. Official information obtained from reputable institutions such as the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Statistics and the World Bank serves as a reliable foundation for our research. Hainan's Free Trade Port, on the other hand, embraces digital technologies to improve trade facilitation and streamline customs procedures, resulting in a more efficient and transparent trading environment.

 

Reviewer comment# 3- It is not clear which is the source for Figure 1, Figure 3, or Figure 4. Please clarify this matter,

Response to Reviewer: Thank you, reviewer, for confirming the figures. Please find the response below. Many thanks. The authors created Figure 1, while Figures 3 and 4 are sourced from the Central Bank of Turkmenistan.

Source: Central Bank of Turkmenistan

https://www.sesric.org/central-bank-detail.php?c_code=54

 

Reviewer comment# 4- Table 1 is showing data only for 2021. Please clarify why is only 2021 relevant for your research, otherwise include data from all the years shown in the table.

Response to Reviewer: Thank you, reviewer, for raising this question again for deeper investigation. The reason that only data for 2021 is presented in Table 1 is that the source we used provided information solely for the year 2021. Unfortunately, data for other years was not available in the source. We recognize the importance of having a more comprehensive dataset and continue to seek additional information to enhance our research. However, given the current limitations, we have based our analysis on the available data for 2021, and once again thanks.

 

Reviewer comment# 5- the titles for Figure 3 and Figure 4 are confusing. Please clarify"

Response to Reviewer: Figure 3 shows the number of users of digital banking products (in thousands), while Figure 4 illustrates the growth dynamics of mobile banking users (in thousands).

 

Special Appreciate to the Reviewer.1

 

We, the authors, are deeply grateful to the reviewers for their time and effort. We express our sincere gratitude to the reviewers for their thoughtful suggestions. We have taken note of each of your recommendations and commit to giving them special consideration in the future. Reviewer's participation helps us improve the quality of our work and achieve better results.

 

 

 

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thank you for your manuscript. I have the following comments:

1. The methods section in the paper is not clearly crafted, which downgrades the credibility of the entire study.  Though the authors reference the use of mixed quantitative and qualitative research approaches, they do not detail the methods, sampling strategies, or data analysis procedures that were used.  These included a more detailed description of the method of qualitative data collection and analysis and how it influenced the selection of the variables included in the regression models.  Who was interviewed, or what documents were reviewed?  How were interviews conducted (if any), what was the sample size, and how were respondents selected?  That is not much different at the quantitative level, where the statistical framework is also not sufficiently developed.  It must have a clear description of the statistical methods, the reasoning behind their use, and from which dataset each estimation came, including its size, window of collection, and any potential biases.  As the study based its conclusions on this data, the lack of availability of this information makes it impossible to confirm and reproduce their conclusions.

2. A literature review is superficial, unless the point is that outside of those included in the MotC analysis, absolutely nobody ever thought about the digital economy or its policy implications. The concept of the digital economy is broached in the last lines of the article, but there is a lack of explicit support for this view, which corresponds to another theory in the field. A more extensive literature review is required to contextualize the study within mainstream academic dialogue and to clarify what the research adds to previous studies (Cardwell and Cardwell, 2014). The theory is also in an early stage of development. The authors also should have incorporated more applied economic and technological theories in support of their hypotheses and findings. This would ground the study more deeply, thereby leading to an increased scholarly impact.

3. The study authors draw overly broad conclusions that fail to account for the highly specific situation of Turkmenistan. They simply do not present a strong argument confirming digitalization is a driver of economic growth in a country with such specific economic, political, and social circumstances as Turkmenistan. While it deals at length with the potential advantages of specific applications of digital technologies, it does not take adequately into account the unique circumstances of Turkmenistan in terms of the political control mechanisms employed by the government, the legislative environment in which it operates, or the country's socio-economic condition. One way to do this is to better contextualize these findings by considering some of the specific confines of these two studies.

4. While the paper aims to provide policy recommendations, these are too vague and lack practical applicability. The recommendations do not offer actionable steps for policymakers in Turkmenistan and fail to consider the specific administrative and institutional challenges that might affect implementation. For instance, the suggestion to "encourage the use of digital solutions" is too broad and does not provide concrete strategies or examples of successful initiatives from other countries that could be adapted to the Turkmen context. The paper should provide more detailed and context-specific policy recommendations, supported by evidence from the study and examples from other regions with similar economic and technological landscapes. This would make the recommendations more practical and valuable for policymakers.

Best regards,

Author Response

Response to reviewers' comments, also attached pfd enclosed

(Manuscript Ref: sustainability-3068118)

The authors gratefully thank the reviewers for their comments and suggestions. We appreciate the reviewer's comments and advice on how to improve the quality of our manuscript. We have enclosed the revised manuscript wherein we have addressed all the comments point by point and revised the manuscript accordingly. The major comments are addressed below. All the changes made in the manuscript were highlighted in yellow color

 

Reviewer #2: Thank you for your manuscript. I have the following comments:

Response to Reviewer: Thank you so much to the reviewer for raising this concern. In the revised manuscript, we have followed up with respected reviewer under their supervision and suggestions. The revised version of the manuscript is given below:

Reviewer comment# 1. The methods section in the paper is not clearly crafted, which downgrades the credibility of the entire study.  Though the authors reference the use of mixed quantitative and qualitative research approaches, they do not detail the methods, sampling strategies, or data analysis procedures that were used.  These included a more detailed description of the method of qualitative data collection and analysis and how it influenced the selection of the variables included in the regression models.  Who was interviewed, or what documents were reviewed?  How were interviews conducted (if any), what was the sample size, and how were respondents selected?  That is not much different at the quantitative level, where the statistical framework is also not sufficiently developed.  It must have a clear description of the statistical methods, the reasoning behind their use, and from which dataset each estimation came, including its size, window of collection, and any potential biases.  As the study based its conclusions on this data, the lack of availability of this information makes it impossible to confirm and reproduce their conclusions.

Response to Reviewer: - Thank you for your valuable comments on the methodology section of our study. We recognize the importance of providing a clear and detailed description of the methodology to ensure the credibility and reproducibility of our results. In our research, we employed a mixed-method approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative components. For the qualitative part, we examined national development concepts and legislative frameworks related to the digital economy in Turkmenistan from 2019 to 2025. We try our best to improve the quality of our manuscript based on your suggestions.

The main research method and objective of our study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of digitalization on Turkmenistan's economic development. What are the main directions and priorities of Turkmenistan's national development concepts and legislative frameworks regarding the digital economy, how does digitalization affect productivity metrics, GDP growth, and investments in digital infrastructure? This included an extensive analysis of government initiatives, plans, and directives aimed at promoting the use of new technologies and the digital transformation of various industries. Through carefully examining and categorizing relevant documents, such as national development plans, digital economy roadmaps, and legislative and regulatory agendas. The quantitative part of the study involved using available statistical data to assess the economic effects of digitalization, investments in digital infrastructure, and the adoption rates of technology across different industries. To ensure the accuracy and validity of the dataset, we sought to obtain data directly from government agencies and international organizations, such as the World Bank, the International Telecommunication Union, the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Statistics, the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, whenever possible and the identification of various perspectives. Each statistical method was chosen based on its suitability for analyzing specific for example, regression models were used to determine the relationship between digitalization and GDP growth, while comparative analysis helped assess differences in technology adoption rates across different industries. Understand that using official data from government and international organizations already provides a high degree of reliability and credibility. However, where available, cross-referenced data from multiple sources to enhance the accuracy of our analysis. Official information obtained from reputable institutions such as the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Statistics and the World Bank serves as a reliable foundation for our research.

 

Reviewer comment# 2. A literature review is superficial unless the point is that outside of those included in the MotC analysis, absolutely nobody ever thought about the digital economy or its policy implications. The concept of the digital economy is broached in the last lines of the article, but there is a lack of explicit support for this view, which corresponds to another theory in the field. A more extensive literature review is required to contextualize the study within mainstream academic dialogue and to clarify what the research adds to previous studies (Cardwell and Cardwell, 2014). The theory is also in an early stage of development. The authors also should have incorporated more applied economic and technological theories in support of their hypotheses and findings. This would ground the study more deeply, thereby leading to an increased scholarly impact.

Response to Reviewer: Thanks, reviewer, for raising this question again for a literature review, including analysis and the concept of the digital economy surfaced in the last lines of the article; once again, thanks, reviewer, the revised version of the manuscript is given below:

Study Outcomes

An example of a hypothesis for Turkmenistan's Modern Economic Development might be Turkmenistan's market-oriented reforms would increase foreign direct investment and economic growth.

Strong regulatory frameworks in Turkmenistan would promote transparency and accountability in the financial sector, fostering investor confidence, which is one possible theory for regulation.

One possible hypothesis for technical theories is that Turkmenistan's adoption of advanced technological infrastructure would boost the country's competitiveness and productivity in important industries.

Modern Digital Marketing Technologies in the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan, Meredova M. M. and Kakayeva O. M. examine the economic impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the country. Highlight the convenience and advantages of online payments and e-services [1].

Additionally, in the 2012 article "The Role of ICT in the Social and Economic Development of Turkmenistan," Serdar Orazbaev discusses the early stages of Turkmenistan's efforts in e-government and ICT implementation. Outlines the primary objectives of the National Program of Socio-Economic Development (NPSED) for 2011-2030, addressing key issues and potential challenges in its execution. Orazbaev's article also explores the role of ICT in the fields of health, science, education, and governance [2]. In "Foreign Aid and ICT Policy in Central Asia" by McGlinchey and Eric Johnson, the authors explore changes in the ability of authoritarian states to control Information and Communication Technology (ICT). They investigate why Central Asian governments pursue Internet-oriented policies despite being equally repressive towards traditional media. The study finds that Internet regulatory policies in Central Asian countries vary depending on the sources of financial capital for ICT development. Where the international community provides funding and assistance for ICT infrastructure, as seen in Kyrgyzstan and, to a lesser extent, Uzbekistan, the regulatory environment is more transparent, allowing for more open electronic media. In contrast, in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, where domestic actors fund ICT infrastructure development, regulation is unclear, and government oversight and involvement are more extensive [3].

 

 

Reviewer comment# 3. The study authors draw overly broad conclusions that fail to account for the highly specific situation of Turkmenistan. They simply do not present a strong argument confirming digitalization is a driver of economic growth in a country with such specific economic, political, and social circumstances as Turkmenistan. While it deals at length with the potential advantages of specific applications of digital technologies, it does not take adequately into account the unique circumstances of Turkmenistan in terms of the political control mechanisms employed by the government, the legislative environment in which it operates, or the country's socio-economic condition. One way to do this is to better contextualize these findings by considering some of the specific confines of these two studies.

 

Response to Reviewer: Thank you so much, reviewer, for your kind investigation of conclusions about such specific economic, political, and social circumstances as Turkmenistan. Into account the unique circumstances of Turkmenistan in terms of the political control mechanisms employed by the government and the legislative environment, a strong argument confirming digitalization is a driver of economic growth, the revised manuscript is given below:

Turkmenistan's model of economic development has provided organizational information on the current status of digitalization. First, the analysis of their economy's current level of digitalization reveals important information. First off, implementing the cutting-edge agendas and procedures for overseeing financial transactions described in the "Concept of Development of the Digital Economy from 2019–2025" would greatly boost Turkmenistan's economic potential. Second, innovation propels digital technologies forward, strengthening legal contexts along the way. Businesses need to actively adopt digital innovations and stay up-to-date with technological breakthroughs to survive in today's competitive market. The digital economy is becoming a more important component of the growth strategy in Turkmenistan and other countries. However, the digital economy also poses financial difficulties, some of which are specific to Turkmenistan. We must establish cybersecurity and e-commerce legislation to guarantee the security and privacy of personal information. This emphasizes how urgent it is to adopt cybersecurity legislation and give these issues top priority. Security and economic issues are related. Furthermore, strategic alliances with developed countries have special chances for faster economic expansion. China's joint initiatives set an example for other nations, such as Turkmenistan, encouraging them to work together to promote the growth of their digital economies. The convergence of digitalization, theories, and hypotheses as engines of economic progress in Turkmenistan highlights the potential for transformation that arises from adopting digital innovations within certain economic, political, and social contexts. It underscores the importance of developing cybersecurity legislation and places these issues at the forefront of the agenda. As a result, we can observe how interrelated and dependent economic and security issues are on one another. Finally, it is essential to remember that collaboration with industrialized nations has unique chances for faster economic growth. China's experience is one example of this kind of cooperation, and it serves as an inspiration to many other countries, including Turkmenistan, when it comes to collaboration and the growth of the digital economy.

Reviewer comment# 4. While the paper aims to provide policy recommendations, these are too vague and lack practical applicability. The recommendations do not offer actionable steps for policymakers in Turkmenistan and fail to consider the specific administrative and institutional challenges that might affect implementation. For instance, the suggestion to "encourage the use of digital solutions" is too broad and does not provide concrete strategies or examples of successful initiatives from other countries that could be adapted to the Turkmen context. The paper should provide more detailed and context-specific policy recommendations, supported by evidence from the study and examples from other regions with similar economic and technological landscapes. This would make the recommendations more practical and valuable for policymakers.

 

Response to Reviewer: Thank you so much for your kind assistance in enhancing our manuscript, including policy recommendations. Your valuable feedback has been instrumental in improving the quality of our work. We greatly appreciate your insights and guidance in refining the content to better align with academic standards and contribute meaningfully to the field. Your input on incorporating policy recommendations undoubtedly strengthens the impact and relevance of our primary goal, which was to provide recommendations focused on the legislative and economic aspects of digitalization, intentionally avoiding political considerations. We refrained from delving into political issues to maintain the research focus. We understand that our recommendations, such as "encouraging the use of digital solutions," may appear too general. To address this, we are working on developing more specific strategies and providing examples of successful initiatives from other countries with similar economic and technological contexts that can be adapted to Turkmenistan. We aim to make our recommendations more practical and valuable for policymaking while emphasizing legislative and economic aspects. Once again, thank you for your scholarly suggestions and cooperation. The revised manuscript is given below:

 

Policy of recommendations

It is crucial to acknowledge the revolutionary potential that digitalization and regulation technologies represent for Turkmenistan, China, and the Hainan free trade port when studying their effects on economic development in these locations. These regions can drive their economies towards sustainable growth and innovation by utilizing digital innovations and putting strong regulatory contexts in place. To optimize the advantages of digitalization, governments should invest in digital infrastructure, create an atmosphere that is favorable to technology integration, and encourage cooperation between government, business, and academia. Furthermore, promoting knowledge-sharing programs between China, Turkmenistan, and the Hainan free trade port can promote reciprocal education and promote synergistic economic growth. To make wise policy decisions and wise investments in the digital era, this research provides a rare chance to investigate the dynamic junction of digital technology and economic development.

 

Special Appreciate to the Reviewer.2

We, the authors, are deeply grateful to the reviewers for their time and effort; we express our sincere gratitude to the reviewers for their thoughtful suggestions; we have taken note of each of your recommendations and commit to giving them special consideration in the future. The reviewers' participation helps us improve the quality of our work and achieve better results.

 

Reference

 

1. Digitalization of the Economy as a Factor of Sustainable Development - DigEco Available online: https://events.pstu.edu/digeco/en/2021/05/28/digitalization-of-the-economy-as-a-factor-of-sustainable-development/ (accessed on 28 June 2024).
2. IOS Press Ebooks - The Role of ICT in Social and Economic Development of Turkmenistan Available online: https://ebooks.iospress.nl/volumearticle/26112 (accessed on 28 June 2024).
3. China’s Foreign Aid to Central Asia States Available online: https://www.imemo.ru/en/publications/periodical/meimo/archive/2018/3-t-62/china-domestic-and-foreign-policies/chinas-foreign-aid-to-central-asia-states (accessed on 28 June 2024).

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

 

Clearly state the specific research objectives or questions at the beginning of the paper to provide a focused direction and highlight the importance of studying digitization in Turkmenistan.

Provide a more comprehensive literature review on digitization and economic growth, including relevant theories, previous studies, and how digitization has impacted other similar economies.

Clearly define key terms such as "digitization" and "digital economy" to ensure that readers understand the specific context and scope of the study.

Include a detailed description of the methodology used to assess the impact of digitization on economic growth, explaining data sources, analytical techniques, and any models employed.

Provide a more detailed analysis of Turkmenistan's current economic situation, including key economic indicators, to set the context for the impact of digitization.

Discuss in detail the specific policies under the "Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2019-2025," including their goals, implementation strategies, and progress to date.

Compare Turkmenistan's digitization efforts with global trends, particularly those of similar economies, to provide a broader perspective and identify best practices.

Include a more detailed financial analysis of the results of implementing digital economy policies, using quantitative data to support the assessment of economic impacts.

Provide a more in-depth discussion of the legal framework governing the digital economy in Turkmenistan, including any existing regulations, their effectiveness, and areas needing improvement.

Suggest specific areas for future research, such as examining the long-term impacts of digitization, exploring the role of specific digital technologies, and assessing the social implications of digital transformation.

Please avoid citing sources that were published before to 2019. Cite current research that are really pertinent to your topic. The study also lacks sufficient citations. Another critical step is to compare the topic of the article to other relevant recent publications or works in order to widen the research's repercussions beyond the issue. Authors can use and depend on these essential works while addressing the topic of their paper and current issues.

Heidari, Arash, Nima Jafari Navimipour, and Mehmet Unal. "Applications of ML/DL in the management of smart cities and societies based on new trends in information technologies: A systematic literature review." Sustainable Cities and Society 85 (2022): 104089.

Heidari, Arash, Nima Jafari Navimipour, and Mehmet Unal. "The history of computing in Iran (Persia)—since the achaemenid empire." Technologies 10.4 (2022): 94.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Moderate editing of English language required

Author Response

In response to reviewers' comments, also attached the pdf in enclosed

(Manuscript Ref: sustainability-3068118)

 

The authors gratefully thank the reviewers for their comments and suggestions. We appreciate the reviewer's comments and advice to improve the quality of our manuscript. We have enclosed the revised manuscript wherein we have addressed all the comments point by point and revised the manuscript accordingly. The major comments are addressed below. All the changes made in the manuscript were highlighted in yellow color

 

Reviewer #3: Clearly state the specific research objectives or questions at the beginning of the paper to provide a focused direction and highlight the importance of studying digitization in Turkmenistan.

Response: Thank you sincerely for the reviewer's insightful comments and constructive feedback on our paper. These inputs greatly enhance the quality of our manuscript, benefiting both scholars and the general public readers. Thank you once again for your constructive review. We try our best to improve the quality of our manuscript based on your suggestions.

 

Reviewer comment# 1. Provide a more comprehensive literature review on digitization and economic growth, including relevant theories, previous studies, and how digitization has impacted other similar economies.

Response to Reviewer: Thank you to the reviewer for addressing this concern. In the revised manuscript, we have included a comprehensive literature review of previous studies related to digitization and economies. All of your suggestions have been incorporated into the scholarly manuscript. The revised version of the manuscript is provided below.

Study Outcomes

 

An example of a hypothesis for Turkmenistan's Modern Economic Development might be Turkmenistan's market-oriented reforms would increase foreign direct investment and economic growth.

Strong regulatory frameworks in Turkmenistan would promote transparency and accountability in the financial sector, fostering investor confidence, which is one possible theory for regulation.

One possible hypothesis for technical theories is that Turkmenistan's adoption of advanced technological infrastructure would boost the country's competitiveness and productivity in important industries.

Modern Digital Marketing Technologies in the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan, Meredova M. M. and Kakayeva O. M. examine the economic impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the country. Highlight the convenience and advantages of online payments and e-services [1].

Additionally, in the 2012 article "The Role of ICT in the Social and Economic Development of Turkmenistan," Serdar Orazbaev discusses the early stages of Turkmenistan's efforts in e-government and ICT implementation. Outlines the primary objectives of the National Program of Socio-Economic Development (NPSED) for 2011-2030, addressing key issues and potential challenges in its execution. Orazbaev's article also explores the role of ICT in the fields of health, science, education, and governance [2]. In "Foreign Aid and ICT Policy in Central Asia" by McGlinchey and Eric Johnson, the authors explore changes in the ability of authoritarian states to control Information and Communication Technology (ICT). They investigate why Central Asian governments pursue Internet-oriented policies despite being equally repressive towards traditional media. The study finds that Internet regulatory policies in Central Asian countries vary depending on the sources of financial capital for ICT development. Where the international community provides funding and assistance for ICT infrastructure, as seen in Kyrgyzstan and, to a lesser extent, Uzbekistan, the regulatory environment is more transparent, allowing for more open electronic media. In contrast, in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, where domestic actors fund ICT infrastructure development, regulation is unclear, and government oversight and involvement are more extensive [3].

 

Reviewer comment# 2. Clearly define key terms such as "digitization" and "digital economy" to ensure that readers understand the specific context and scope of the study.

Response to Reviewer: Thank you so much to the reviewer for the effort to enhance the quality of the manuscript. We are greatly impressed and appreciate the honored reviewer. Once again, thank you for your scholarly suggestions. The revised version of the manuscript is provided below.

The digital economy is an ecosystem defined by a combination of devices, services, and technologies [4]. "The digital economy is an economy based on new methods of generating, processing, storing, and transmitting data, as well as digital computer technologies." A digital economy is a tool that ensures the efficiency and quality of economic relations but in no way replaces economic laws, professional engineering knowledge, or industrial work experience. Through digitization, scientists and practitioners suggest understanding the conversion of information from analog to digital form, transferring it from physical carriers to digital ones. Thus, digitization represents the process of forming the initial information resource for subsequent structural changes in the processes and mechanisms of interaction among individuals under the influence of ICT development [5]. At how technology developments, digitization, and regulatory frameworks affect Turkmenistan's and the Hainan Free Trade Port's economic growth. It examines the possible benefits and difficulties of using digital technologies to promote trade facilitation and regional economic expansion.

 

Reviewer comment# 3. Include a detailed description of the methodology used to assess the impact of digitization on economic growth, explaining data sources, analytical techniques, and any models employed.

Response to Reviewer: Thank you, reviewer. We appreciate your kind feedback, reviewer, which helped us improve our manuscript. Below is the updated draft of the manuscript.

A mixed-methods approach is used in this study to evaluate the effect of digitalization on economic growth. The main research method and objective of our study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of digitalization on Turkmenistan's economic development. What are the main directions and priorities of Turkmenistan's national development concepts and legislative frameworks regarding the digital economy, how does digitalization affect productivity metrics, GDP growth, and investments in digital infrastructure? This included an extensive analysis of government initiatives, plans, and directives aimed at promoting the use of new technologies and the digital transformation of various industries. Through carefully examining and categorizing relevant documents, such as national development plans, digital economy roadmaps, and legislative and regulatory agendas. The quantitative part of the study involved using available statistical data to assess the economic effects of digitalization, investments in digital infrastructure, and the adoption rates of technology across different industries. To ensure the accuracy and validity of the dataset, we sought to obtain data directly from government agencies and international organizations, such as the World Bank, the International Telecommunication Union, the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Statistics, the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, whenever possible and the identification of various perspectives. Each statistical method was chosen based on its suitability for analyzing specific for example, regression models were used to determine the relationship between digitalization and GDP growth, while comparative analysis helped assess differences in technology adoption rates across different industries. Understand that using official data from government and international organizations already provides a high degree of reliability and credibility. However, where available, cross-referenced data from multiple sources to enhance the accuracy of our analysis. Official information obtained from reputable institutions such as the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Statistics and the World Bank serves as a reliable foundation for our research.

 

Reviewer comment# 4. Provide a more detailed analysis of Turkmenistan's current economic situation, including key economic indicators, to set the context for the impact of digitization.

Response to Reviewer: Thanks to the reviewer for revisiting this question to delve deeper into Turkmenistan's current economic situation. We appreciate the reviewer's comments. In the revised manuscript, we have extensively discussed the impact of digitization and included economic analysis once again many thanks. The revised version of the manuscript is provided below.

 

Turkmenistan, endowed with significant natural resources such as natural gas, is actively striving to diversify its economy and develop digital sectors. Recent surveys conducted among representatives of various economic sectors have shown positive results and prospects for the country's digital development. Opinion about the basic conditions and business environment in the country in the framework of the UNECE project. Strengthening innovation policies for SPECA countries in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development August 2020. Digital entrepreneurship in the country is gaining momentum. State enterprises and organizations are well-staffed and have a retraining system [6]. There are opportunities for creating small and medium-sized enterprises in the country, and experts note that favorable conditions are being created in Turkmenistan for the development of digital startups. The existing regulatory and legal context in Turkmenistan generally meets the goals of digital activity development.

 

 

Table. 4 Advancement of revolution

 

 

Source: Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Gap Assessment of Turkmenistan. Prepared by Yuriy Aronskyi

 

Reviewer comment# 5. Discuss in detail the specific policies under the "Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2019-2025," including their goals, implementation strategies, and progress to date.

Response to Reviewer: Thank you, reviewer, for your kind suggestion to discuss in detail the concept for the development of the digital economy for 2019-2025, including implementation strategies. We are very grateful to the reviewers for their valuable assistance in improving our manuscript. The revised manuscript is provided below.

The proposed model of the digital economy development for 2019-2025 includes restructuring industrial sectors and the service system as a Hainan Free Trade Port and digitalization and regulation's impact on economic development in Turkmenistan could explore existing studies on the role of digital technologies in trade facilitation, regulatory contexts in economic development, and the comparative analysis of trade policies between the two regions. This involves shifting from the production of low-tech and low-value industrial products to high-value-added products, with a focus on supporting high-tech industries, the ongoing process of privatization and conversion to joint-stock companies aims to reduce state ownership, the reorganization of enterprises is integral to this model. the program incorporates adjustments to marketing strategies. Globalization and international integration open vast markets for businesses, allowing them to leverage the benefits of their investment projects fully [7].

 

The Turkmen government, in collaboration with the United Nations, is considering projects to reform and strengthen public administration, including macroeconomic regulation and e-government. Turkmenistan promotes the development of telemedicine, and the digitization of economic, industrial, and management activities would enable the development of Smart Cities. Turkmenistan has recently made substantial preparations for the transition to a digital economy. The information market is expected to become a crucial sector of Turkmenistan's economy, significantly influencing the growth of other sectors and macroeconomic processes. A notable milestone in this regard was the launch of a unified site for government services and operations, showcased at the international exposition Turkmenistan 2019 [8].

 

Reviewer comment# 6. Compare Turkmenistan's digitization efforts with global trends, particularly those of similar economies, to provide a broader perspective and identify best practices.

Response to Reviewer: Thank you for your kind suggestions in the revised manuscript to the perspective and identify best practices. The revised manuscript is given below:

 

Turkmenistan's integration into international projects such as CAREN and the Virtual Silk Road demonstrates the country's commitment to joining the global scientific and educational infrastructure. These initiatives, coordinated by the European Union and NATO's Science Committee, respectively, provide Turkmenistan with access to advanced technologies and high-speed internet services. CAREN, initiated in 2010, has established a Turkmen scientific and educational network that provides high-speed internet access for scientific and educational institutions. The main goal of the project is to establish joint scientific and educational work between universities in Central Asia and the European Union. Different approaches to digitalization and regulation in economic development are taken by Turkmenistan and the Hainan Free Trade Port. The goal of Hainan's Free Commerce Port program is to employ digitization to increase efficiency and transparency while fostering commerce and international investment by establishing a free and open market environment. On the other hand, the legislative framework for economic development in Turkmenistan might give priority to conventional sectors and centralized control over digital innovation. Turkmenistan's emphasis on regulation, in contrast to the Hainan Free Trade Port's more liberalized and digitally-driven approach, may affect the rate of digital transformation and global competitiveness.

 

Reviewer comment# 7. Include a more detailed financial analysis of the results of implementing digital economy policies, using quantitative data to support the assessment of economic impacts.

Response to Reviewer: Thank you so much for raising a new question regarding the implementation of digital economy policies. However, we have previously addressed five questions, and we try to respond to your comments and enhance our manuscript based on your suggestions. Once again, thanks a lot to the respected reviewer. The revised manuscript is provided below.

The implementation of digital economy policies in Turkmenistan from 2019 to 2022 has shown significant positive impacts on the economy. An analysis of the data reveals substantial growth in household incomes, increases in wages and pensions, positive changes in the production sector, and foreign trade turnover. One of the most notable outcomes is the 32.7% increase in monetary income per household. The average monthly wage at large and medium-sized enterprises increased by 34.6%, indicating positive changes in the standard of living for workers. The average monthly pension rose by 33.7% and state benefits by 48.2%, highlighting the enhanced social support for the population [9]. The effects of digital technologies on international trade practices, regulatory contexts, and economic growth can be investigated through research on trade digitization that focuses on Turkmenistan's economic development regulations and the Hainan Free Trade Port. Examining how digitalization improves the Hainan Free Trade Port's trade facilitation, efficiency, and transparency might shed light on effective digital transformation tactics. Comparatively speaking, examining Turkmenistan's legal framework for trade digitization might highlight potential problems as the country moves towards a more digital economy. The influence of digital platforms, e-commerce, blockchain technology, and data governance on trade dynamics and regulatory agendas

 

Reviewer comment# 8. Provide a more in-depth discussion of the legal framework governing the digital economy in Turkmenistan, including any existing regulations, their effectiveness, and areas needing improvement.

Response to Reviewer: Thank you for raising this question; it is very important to handle jurisdiction. The revised manuscript is given below:

Regulations of Turkmenistan

 

"On Scientific Intellectual Property" Law of Turkmenistan (1992) The goal is to regulate matters about the development and use of intellectual property in science and technology by Turkmenistan's "On Property in Turkmenistan" Law.
The "On Legal Protection of Algorithms, Programs for Electronic Computers, Databases, and Topologies of Integrated Circuits" Law of Turkmenistan No. 964-XII was passed in 1994. The goal is to regulate relationships about the development, application, and legal protection of databases, computer programs, algorithms, and integrated circuit topologies.
Turkmenistan's No. 4065 Presidential Decree, "On Increasing the Efficiency of Scientific Research and Training of Highly Qualified Personnel," was issued in 1999. Objective: Ensuring efficient resolutions to pressing scientific and technological problems in key sectors of Turkmenistan's socioeconomic growth and raising the caliber of training and certification for highly skilled scientists.
Law No. 52-IV of Turkmenistan (2009) "On the Status of Scientific Workers" Goal: Providing clarity on the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of scientific workers as well as the standards by which state authorities must uphold the freedom of scientific inquiry and the social protection of scientific workers.
The "On Scientific Organizations" Law of Turkmenistan (2012) The aim is to classify the many scientific organizations in the nation, define their legal status, purposes, and powers, and ensure governmental regulation of their operations.

Reviewer comment# 9. Suggest specific areas for future research, such as examining the long-term impacts of digitization, exploring the role of specific digital technologies, and assessing the social implications of digital transformation. Please avoid citing sources that were published before 2019. Cite current research that is pertinent to your topic. The study also lacks sufficient citations. Another critical step is to compare the topic of the article to other relevant recent publications or works to widen the research's repercussions beyond the issue. Authors can use and depend on these essential works while addressing the topic of their paper and current issues. (Heidari, Arash, Nima Jafari Navimipour, and Mehmet Unal. "Applications of ML/DL in the management of smart cities and societies based on new trends in information technologies: A systematic literature review." Sustainable Cities and Society 85 (2022): 104089.), (Heidari, Arash, Nima Jafari Navimipour, and Mehmet Unal. "The history of computing in Iran (Persia)—since the Achaemenid empire." Technologies 10.4 (2022): 94.)

Response to Reviewer: Thank you, reviewer, for suggesting a new and innovative research paper. These research articles are very helpful for our research, and we have cited two articles in our paper during revision; you may find them in the manuscript, also we modified our research topic below. Many thanks

The Power of Digitalization, the Hainan Free Trade Port, and Regulations on Modern Economic development in Turkmenistan are significant

 

1. Heidari, A.; Jafari Navimipour, N.; Unal, M. The History of Computing in Iran (Persia)—Since the Achaemenid Empire. Technologies 2022, 10, 94, doi:10.3390/technologies10040094.
2. Heidari, A.; Navimipour, N.J.; Unal, M. Applications of ML/DL in the Management of Smart Cities and Societies Based on New Trends in Information Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review. Sustainable Cities and Society 2022, 85, 104089, doi:10.1016/j.scs.2022.104089.

 

Special Appreciate to the Reviewer.3

We, the authors, are deeply grateful to the reviewers for their time and effort, we express our sincere gratitude to the reviewers for their thoughtful suggestions, we have taken note of each of your recommendations and commit to giving them special consideration in the future. Reviewer's participation helps us improve the quality of our work and achieve better results.

References

 

1. Digitalization of the Economy as a Factor of Sustainable Development - DigEco Available online: https://events.pstu.edu/digeco/en/2021/05/28/digitalization-of-the-economy-as-a-factor-of-sustainable-development/ (accessed on 28 June 2024).
2. IOS Press Ebooks - The Role of ICT in Social and Economic Development of Turkmenistan Available online: https://ebooks.iospress.nl/volumearticle/26112 (accessed on 28 June 2024).
3. China's Foreign Aid to Central Asia States Available online: https://www.imemo.ru/en/publications/periodical/meimo/archive/2018/3-t-62/china-domestic-and-foreign-policies/chinas-foreign-aid-to-central-asia-states (accessed on 28 June 2024).
4. Bumann, J.; Peter, M. Action Fields of Digital Transformation - A Review and Comparative Analysis of Digital Transformation Maturity Models and Frameworks. In; 2019; pp. 13–40 ISBN 978-3-906129-97-6.
5. Digital Business Ecosystems - Publications Office of the EU Available online: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/53e45e55-4bd2-42a4-ad25-27b339b051e0 (accessed on 29 June 2024).
6. Heidari, A.; Jafari Navimipour, N.; Unal, M. The History of Computing in Iran (Persia)—Since the Achaemenid Empire. Technologies 2022, 10, 94, doi:10.3390/technologies10040094.
7. Heidari, A.; Navimipour, N.J.; Unal, M. Applications of ML/DL in the Management of Smart Cities and Societies Based on New Trends in Information Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review. Sustainable Cities and Society 2022, 85, 104089, doi:10.1016/j.scs.2022.104089.
8. Concept of Development of Digital Economy for 2019 – 2025 Is Approved Available online: https://turkmenistan.gov.tm/index.php/en/post/11799/concept-of-development-of-digital-economy-for-2019-%E2%80%93-2025-is-approved (accessed on 29 June 2024).
9. Voluntary National Review of Turkmenistan | United Nations in Turkmenistan Available online: https://turkmenistan.un.org/en/196377-voluntary-national-review-turkmenistan (accessed on 29 June 2024).

 

 

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I have no additional comments.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Well revised.