The government of Uzbekistan is implementing comprehensive measures to develop the country's innovation ecosystem and transform digital education. Under a new decree, the Agency for Innovative Development will begin using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in evaluating project competition applications. This approach aims to automate the selection process and enhance objectivity in assessing innovative initiatives, marking a significant shift in how the country fosters technological advancement.
Support for youth innovation is being expanded across the nation. A Startup Support Center will be established at the Youth Innovation Center, providing resources, advisory services, and financial assistance to young entrepreneurs and inventors. Concurrently, the Center for Digital Education and Artificial Intelligence Development will become the main integrator for universities, lyceums, and colleges, coordinating the implementation of new technologies in educational curricula to bridge the gap between academia and industry needs.
A major digital transformation is underway in the education sector. All existing educational management systems—HEMIS for universities, EMIS for lyceums, and EMIS KT for colleges—will be consolidated into a unified digital ecosystem. This integration will facilitate secure and centralized data exchange between educational institutions, while the ministry will be able to directly contract with the Center to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions, potentially improving administrative efficiency and learning outcomes.
An Office for Youth Innovation Support will commence operations under the Ministry of Education, operating on a 'turnkey' principle: from idea attraction and selection to refinement, funding recommendations, and practical implementation. This structured approach is designed to ensure that innovative projects achieve tangible results and commercialization, addressing common challenges in startup development and technology transfer.
Uzbekistan is also launching new formats of intellectual competitions, where the best ideas will gain national recognition and substantial monetary awards. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to position Uzbekistan as a regional leader in digital economy and innovative technologies, though the long-term effectiveness and societal impact of these reforms remain to be seen as the country navigates the complexities of technological integration and economic diversification.
Source: podrobno.uz