Abstract
The digitalization of exports is becoming increasingly important in today's globalized economy, particularly in the automotive industry. This study identified legal barriers to the digitization of electric vehicle (EV) exports from Kazakhstan, a country that has recently started producing and exporting EVs. Using a Delphi method and explorative factor analysis, the study identified electronic signature laws, intellectual property protection for EV technology, cybersecurity and data privacy regulations, and compliance with national trade agreements as the main legal barriers to the digitalization of Kazakhstan’s EV exports. The findings indicate that these legal barriers are interrelated and describe one phenomenon, and they can significantly impede the digitalization of exports of EVs in Kazakhstan. This study provides policy recommendations for addressing these legal barriers to facilitate the digitalization of exports in Kazakhstan's EV industry. The study's contribution to the literature is the identification of legal barriers specific to Kazakhstan and the interrelatedness of these legal barriers, which can help policymakers develop targeted policies to support the digitalization of exports in Kazakhstan's EV industry. Received: 9 May 2023 / Accepted: 24 June 2023 / Published: 5 July 2023