36
DEVELOPING A DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM IN TRANSPORT: THEORETICAL
FOUNDATIONS AND GLOBAL EXPERIENCE
Komilov Asror Akmalovich
PHD student of Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16812417
In recent years, the modernization of public transport systems has become a key factor in
sustainable urban development, especially in rapidly urbanizing countries such as Uzbekistan.
The shift from traditional transport models to digital ecosystems is driven by the need to
achieve efficiency, convenience, and sustainability. A digital transport ecosystem represents a
network of interconnected components and technological services that facilitate delivery,
management, and optimization within transport systems. This ecosystem is characterized by
collaboration between government agencies, private sector enterprises, and end-users, and is
supported by advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence
(AI), big data analytics, mobile applications, and blockchain
1
. A digital ecosystem in public
transport can be broadly defined as a network of interconnected components and technological
services that facilitate efficient management and optimization of transportation. This
ecosystem is built on data interoperability, platform-based collaboration, and stakeholder
engagement, ensuring transparency and effective information exchange between different
modes of transport. Mobility services increasingly rely on seamless integration with existing
infrastructure, resource optimization, and the reduction of inefficiencies
2
.
Uzbekistan is currently implementing digital transformation in the transport sector in line
with the “Digital Uzbekistan 2030” strategy. The Presidential Decree of the Republic of
Uzbekistan No. PF-6269 dated July 24, 2021,
On measures to improve the infrastructure of public
services and expand the population’s access to public services
, provides a foundation for
introducing digital services, improving management systems, and increasing operational
efficiency. However, several challenges remain, such as shortcomings in technological
infrastructure, regulatory barriers, and issues of digital literacy. The digitalization gap between
urban and rural areas also poses a significant problem.
This thesis examines the theoretical foundations of the digital transport ecosystem, its
application in Uzbekistan, the main components of an integrated transport ecosystem,
implementation strategies, challenges, legal frameworks, and the proposed model for
digitalizing transport in Uzbekistan.
Theoretical foundations of the digital ecosystem in public transport
:
Systems Theory and Transport Digitalization:
Introduced by Bertalanffy (1968), the
General Systems Theory (GST) describes a system as a set of interconnected and dynamically
interacting components that maintain overall integrity
3
. The transport system is an example of
this, where various components—including vehicles, passengers, infrastructure, and
operators—must function effectively in coordination with one another.
The key principles of GST relevant to digital transport ecosystems include:
1
Ashurov, D.Z., Makhmudova, G., & Razakova, B. (2022). Development of digital ecosystem and formation of digital
platforms in Uzbekistan
2
Cohen, A.P., Shaheen, S.A., & Farrar, E.M. (2021). Urban air mobility: History, ecosystem, market potential, and
challenges.
IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems
, 22(9), 6074-6087
3
Bertalanffy, L. (1968). General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications.
37
1.
Holism
–
The transport system is composed of the sum of its individual components, with
functionality emerging from the interactions between vehicles, infrastructure, and users
.
2.
Hierarchical structure
– The transport system consists of several levels that connect
smaller subsystems (e.g., national transit, urban transit, micromobility services).
3.
Open and closed systems
–
Open transport systems interact with their environment,
adapting routes and schedules based on real-time data.
4.
Feedback
–
AI-driven transport management systems use sensor data and passenger
feedback to optimize operations.
Applying systems theory to public transport digitalization enables real-time integration
of various transport modes, efficient fleet management through IoT, and demand forecasting
using AI. For example, Singapore’s Smart City Transport system leverages IoT and AI to
optimize bus schedules in real time based on passenger demand
4
.
Platform theory and the role of digital platforms in transport:
Platform theory explains how
digital platforms create added value by facilitating interactions between multiple user groups.
Digital platforms leverage network effects to scale operations with minimal cost
5
.
A platform is typically a multi-sided market or service that enables transactions and
exchanges between various participants (e.g., passengers, transit operators, freight carriers,
app developers). Platform theory explains how multi-sided platforms generate strong network
effects: as more users and service providers join, the platform’s value increases and innovation
accelerates. In the transport context, Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) applications, ride-sharing
marketplaces, and logistics hubs serve as platforms that integrate data and services. Platforms
can be categorized into the following types:
Transaction platforms
–
facilitate exchanges between different user groups. Examples:
eBay (buyers/sellers), PayPal (money transfers), DoorDash (restaurants/delivery
drivers/customers).
Innovation platforms
–
provide a foundation for participating parties to develop
innovative products and services. Examples: Apple iOS, Google Play, Amazon AWS.
Hybrid platforms
– combine transaction and innovation functions. Examples: Amazon
(marketplace + AWS cloud services), Microsoft (Windows OS + Xbox gaming ecosystems).
Industrial platforms
– designed for manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Business ecosystem model in transport
: The business ecosystem model describes how
companies operate not individually, but within a dynamic network of interdependent actors —
including suppliers, customers, competitors, and other stakeholders — that collectively
manage innovation and value creation
6
.
In transport, this means that traditional competitors (e.g., public and private transit) and
new entrants (mobility startups, technology providers) form a network of suppliers,
complementors, and customers. Thus, business ecosystem theory reminds us that successful
digital transport systems require synergy among regulators, infrastructure owners, technology
4
Gohar, A. & Nencioni, G. (2021). The role of 5G technologies in a smart city: The case for intelligent
transportation systems.
Sustainability
, 13(9), 5188.
5
Rochet, J.C., & Tirole, J. (2003). Platform competition in two-sided markets.
Journal of the European Economic
Association
, 1(4), 990-1029.
6
Moore, J.F. (1993). Predators and prey: A new ecology of competition.
Harvard Business Review
, 71(3), 75-86.
38
companies, and end users. A collective strategy — such as coordinated innovation, joint
investments, and adaptive regulations — often replaces purely competitive behavior to foster
the overall development of the ecosystem.
Comparative analysis of traditional and ecosystem-based business models
Traditional business
Ecosystem-based business
Linear value chain
Network, non-linear relationships
Competition-based strategy
Cooperation + competition (co-opetition)
Independent business operations
Interdependent stakeholder system
Focus on individual enterprise growth
Striving for shared value creation
Applying the business ecosystem model enables better coordination between private and
public transport providers, supporting seamless multimodal mobility solutions
7
. Several global
case studies demonstrate the advantages of digital ecosystems in transport:
•Helsinki’s mobility model integrates ride-sharing, public transport, and micromobility
into a single digital platform, enhancing user convenience and reducing congestion.
• China’s smart public transport system uses AI-based predictive analytics to improve
planning and fleet management.
• Estonia’s X-Road system ensures seamless data exchange between transport agencies
and users, improving efficiency and transparency.
• In Chicago, the Launchpad project employs a fully digital platform that integrates
various modes of transport, enabling users to plan journeys involving buses, trains, and
rideshares through a single app. Public participation in solution design is a key factor in
Launchpad’s success—engaging citizens during the design phase and gathering feedback
ensures that services effectively meet user needs, highlighting the importance of participatory
approaches in public transport digitalization.
References:
Используемая Литература:
Foydalanilgan adabiyotlar:
1.
Ashurov, D.Z., Makhmudova, G., & Razakova, B. (2022). Development of digital ecosystem
and formation of digital platforms in Uzbekistan
2.
Cohen, A.P., Shaheen, S.A., & Farrar, E.M. (2021). Urban air mobility: History, ecosystem,
market potential, and challenges.
IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems
,
22(9), 6074-6087
3.
Bertalanffy, L. (1968). General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications.
4.
Gohar, A. & Nencioni, G. (2021). The role of 5G technologies in a smart city: The case for
intelligent transportation systems.
Sustainability
, 13(9), 5188.
5.
Rochet, J.C., & Tirole, J. (2003). Platform competition in two-sided markets.
Journal of the
European Economic Association
, 1(4), 990-1029.
7
Evans, D.S., & Schmalensee, R. (2016).
Matchmakers: The New Economics of Multisided Platforms
.
Harvard Business Review Press.
39
6.
Moore, J.F. (1993). Predators and prey: A new ecology of competition.
Harvard Business
Review
, 71(3), 75-86.
7.
Evans, D.S., & Schmalensee, R. (2016).
Matchmakers: The New Economics of Multisided
Platforms
. Harvard Business Review Press.
