On July 3-7, 2023, the International Partnership Initiatives Week “New Uzbekistan: Development, Innovation and Enlightenment” is being held in Tashkent.

The main goal of this international week is to discuss democratic reforms in New Uzbekistan, including their nature, achievements, and next tasks that are going to be completed, a completely new socio-economic, political-legal, and spiritual-educational environment that is emerging in the country, and to exchange the views on internal and external policy of the government among foreign and national experts and analysts. 

More than 450 politicians, representatives of large businesses, experts, and representatives of several international organizations from more than 60 countries  are participating in this prestigious international conference, which has attracted the attention of the world community.

In particular, on the third day of the international week, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan holds an International Conference on “Quality education and innovations are the foundation for a sustainable future” at the Event Hall in Tashkent. Sir David Richmond, British diplomat, International Relations Consultant, and Shahlo Turdikulova, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, moderated the conference.

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Academician Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, highlighted that as a result of reforms in the country, legal and regulatory frameworks have been developed and radically updated, aimed at introducing effective mechanisms to create favorable conditions for development, improving the quality and expand coverage of education in the country, ensure the flexibility of the training system, taking into account the needs of the economy, comprehensive support and development of scientific and innovative activities, formation and further improvement of the country’s innovative potential.

The annual amount of funds allocated from the state budget in innovation and science has been increased threefold, and the amount of R&D project financing has been increased by 3.5 times. Significant efforts have been made to develop the startup ecosystem by establishing 19 innovative infrastructures and introducing systems for accelerating and incubating startup teams. Consequently, 136 startup projects with a total value of 105.7 bln. UZS were financed. As a result of establishing new mechanisms for developing and commercializing R&D projects, a total of 455.1 bln. UZS worth of scientific works have been commercialized.

Furthermore, the salaries of researchers and scientists at higher education and research institutions have increased 3.2 times, and new incentives were introduced based on their innovative activities. As a result, in 2022, Uzbekistan ranked 82nd across the 132 countries in the ranking of the Global Innovation Index, which charts the trends of innovative development of the countries of the world (took 3rd position in Central and South Asian region by rising by 40 positions compared to 2015).

Subsequently, the Strategy for Innovative Development of New Uzbekistan was adopted to develop a continuous ecosystem “industry-region-scientific/higher education institution” from creating new jobs to creating economic value (capital) in forming a creative economy in the country. The current strategy aims to bring Uzbekistan among the Top 50 nations worldwide in Global Innovation Index.

During the panel session “Strategy of innovative development of New Uzbekistan”, speeches were delivered by Erbol Suleymanov – an international expert in the “Modernization of National Innovation System of Uzbekistan” (MUNIS) project, Basheer Chanbasha – an international expert in energy and new materials (India), Erik Azulay – Executive Director of Nexus Innovation Hub and Incubator (USA). In particular, it was noted that implementing the innovative development strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2022-2026 requires flexibility and constant assessment of the current state of science and innovation, taking into account global trends. Therefore, it was highlighted to conduct continuous monitoring and research in this particular direction. It is important to objectively assess the country’s current state to create a more effective development strategy in accordance with the changes in the world and its own needs.

Rector of Webster University in Tashkent Vassilis Polimenis, Rector of British Management University in Tashkent Conrad Ozog, First Deputy Rector at Westminster International University in Tashkent Michael Clarke, and Rector of Tashkent State Technical University Sadritdin Turabjanov participated in the panel session “Reforms in the higher education system: modern problems and tendencies”. 

Over the past 6 years, the number of universities in the higher education system of Uzbekistan has increased from 77 to 210, admission to them has increased by 3.5 times, and the enrollment level of young people in higher education has increased from 9% to 39%. It was noted that due to the involvement of the private sector, 65 non-state higher education institutions were established. The number of foreign higher education institutions increased to 30, and the number of state higher education institutions increased to 115. Based on the European ECTS – European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, the educational process in higher education institutions was transferred to a credit-modular system, it was noted that 41 universities were granted academic and financial independence. State educational standards in the higher education system were redesigned based on the “International Standard Classification of Education” and “TSCK: areas of education and training” introduced by UNESCO. At present, these standards have been approved by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, have undergone state registration, and are used in the educational process.

During the last six years, 8,636 professors and teachers were sent to foreign higher education and scientific-research institutions for training and internships within the framework of cooperation and grant programs of higher education institutions. To further improve the quality and efficiency of teaching in higher education institutions, 7,385 foreign specialists were involved in the educational process.

Rector of Tashkent State University of Economics Kongratbay Sharipov, International expert (USA) Kendrick White, International Management and Capacity Development Consultant (Switzerland) Marlon Lezama, Member of the Council of Kazakhstan Association of Experts on Technology Commercialization Abilai Akimbekov delivered speeches at the panel session “Global innovation index – an indicator of innovation development: world experience”. It was noted that as a result of the country’s policy of openness, attention to science, and work aimed at increasing innovative potential, Uzbekistan, for the first time, became the leader of Central Asia and ranked 82nd in the world in terms of innovative development in the Global Innovation Index 2022.

World Bank expert (France) Jean-Jacques Royes, Chairman and CEO of Swiss NeWater (Switzerland) Claude Begle, Intellectual Property Legal Consultant and Project Manager of the company Red Sea Farms (Saudi Arabia) Abay Jangabilov and Rector of Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad Al-Khwarizmi Bakhtiyar Mahkamov participated in the panel session “Higher education and innovative development”. 

In the last 6 years, the percentage of teachers with a scientific degree in Uzbekistan has increased from 32.7% to 39.3%.

The amount of annual funds allocated from the state budget to the fields of innovation and science has been increased by 3 times, and the amount of project financing has been increased by 3.5 times. In higher education and scientific-research institutions, the basic salaries of employees with scientific degrees have risen by 3.2 times, and the procedure for paying additional wages to employees based on target indicators has been introduced. Scientific research institutes’ material and technical base were radically updated, and 272 types of laboratory equipment worth 160.16 billion UZS were delivered to them over 5 years.

The system of financing science and scientific activity has been diversified. The funds allocated to science and innovation from industrial enterprises and the private sector have increased 3 times during 2018-2022. During 2018-2022, the number of quotas allocated for doctoral studies increased by 7.1 times, reaching 3,600 in 2022. The intern research institute was introduced as a preparatory stage for post-graduate education, and 1,200 young scientists were covered.

Bashir Chanbasha, International Expert in Energy and New Materials (India):

– Uzbekistan has been actively improving its innovation landscape and fostering a more conducive research, development, and innovation environment. Last year Uzbekistan ranked 82 in the global innovative index among 132 countries. Ranked 3rd in 10 economics of central Asia and 10th in middle-income group economics. A goal is set to reach below 50 in international economics before 2030. Several initiatives are ongoing to achieve this objective. 

There are a few specific areas that improve Uzbekistan’s global innovative index in the education sector. QS ranking of higher education institutes is International Accreditation, increasing the number of publications in the ISI journals and introducing new curricula based on the market demands. 

The internationalism of research and development (R&D) processes refers to the global collaboration and cooperation among researchers, scientists, and institutions in conducting research, sharing knowledge, and developing innovative solutions. 

Creating skill-based jobs and addressing the job market’s needs are important challenges for universities. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach involving universities, industries, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders.

Erik Azulay, Executive Director of Nexus Innovation Hub and Incubator (USA):

– Uzbekistan has an impressive number of research institutes and universities nationwide. These organizations and those who work in them must rely on policies and systems that encourage and facilitate technology transfer. Innovations and technologies do not benefit anyone if, once developed, they are not brought to market. 

Encouraging public-private partnership in an innovative project through joint innovation projects is an excellent first step to ensure that both sides understand the needs and problems faced by the other side and develop win-win solutions for all participants.

One of Uzbekistan’s most effective ways to quickly gain experience in priority sectors is cooperation with recognized, trustworthy international partners. Regardless of where this cooperation takes place, international collaboration should play an important role in Uzbekistan’s innovation strategy in the future.

Uzbekistan should create business incubators and accelerators to provide opportunities, mentoring, professional development, networking, and access to financing for aspiring entrepreneurs.

 Simplification of rules, reduction of bureaucratic barriers, as well as the provision of financial support and incentives will attract both local and foreign investors, contributing to the birth of new ideas and enterprises and ensuring that Uzbekistan will be able to fully unleash its potential and become a regional leader in innovation, stimulate economic growth and build a bright future for all of us.

Marlon Lezama, International Management and Capacity Development Consultant:

– Participating in this important Workshop on Education and Innovation is an honor. 

In January 2019, the Government of Uzbekistan adopted an ambitious Reform Roadmap that outlined actions across all strategic areas to become an upper-middle-income country. Uzbekistan’s National Development Strategy for 2017-2021, for example, clearly articulated a science development agenda identifying, as priority areas for reform, the commercialization of research and development (R&D) and innovation, as well as the creation of new research laboratories, advanced technology centers, and techno-parks by research institutes and universities. 

Uzbekistan has made good progress in developing its National Innovation System (NIS) over the past few years. The main drivers of this process are the government’s strategic vision and high-level political support: The Uzbek authorities have declared an ambitious goal of entering the ranks of the Top 50 in the Global Innovation Index by 2030.

The recently approved World Bank-funded Modernizing the Uzbekistan National Innovation System (MUINIS) Project is also expected to provide a boost to Uzbekistan’s efforts in innovation, and no doubt will help the country to achieve a Top 50 rank in the Global Innovation Index by 2030. Given the current efforts, I am confident that Uzbekistan can achieve a Top 50 ranking on the Innovation Index well before 2030. 

I also note, from the 2022 Global Innovation Index, that Uzbekistan ranks 3rd amongst the 10 economies in Central and Southern Asia. The 2022 Global Innovation Index indicates clearly that relative to GDP, Uzbekistan’s performance is above expectations for its level of development.

UzA