Mapping Research and Innovation in the Republic of Uzbekistan
A new report on research and innovation in Uzbekistan was launched on 27 October by UNESCO, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Government of Uzbekistan. It is the 10th volume of UNESCO’s Global Observatory of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Instruments (GO-SPIN) country profiles series.
The publication is the result of a joint effort by UNESCO and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to support Member States in strengthening national Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) systems and build robust, evidence-based and inclusive STI policies.
The publication “Mapping Research and Innovation in the Republic of Uzbekistan”, available in English, Russian and Uzbek, describes the STI landscape in Uzbekistan and suggests orientations for further strengthening the national STI system and fostering the STI development in the country. The study provides evidence and data for the development of the national STI policy, as part of the country’s goal to develop an innovation-driven economy. It includes a list of key recommendations for improving the STI system and governance, building a balanced STI policy mix and strengthening capacities in STI and developing the country’s STI human capital. In particular, the report provides recommendations for enhancing coordination among the broad range of STI actors and encourages the creation of innovation intermediaries and service providers to facilitate the creation, diffusion and use of knowledge, technology and innovation. Reducing regional disparities and exploring regional STI potentials in Uzbekistan are given a special attention in the report.
The study was developed based on UNESCO’s GO-SPIN methodology, analyzing STI systems in different national contexts. Ten volumes of the GO-SPIN country profile series were published, providing key information on STI governing bodies, legal frameworks, policy instruments.
The launch event was held virtually with participation of high-level officials from UNESCO (Headquarters, Almaty and Tashkent offices), IsDB and the government of Uzbekistan, including the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP representatives.
Dr Hayat Sindi, Senior Advisor to the President of the IsDB on STI underlined that “If you give people the tools to build a sustainable future for themselves, their communities and their countries, you will build up their pride and enable them to fulfil their potential. STI is offering bold new solutions”. Dr Nair-Bedouelle, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences shared that “with the adoption of the Sustainable Agenda 2030, we believe more than ever that our support to Member States in strengthening STI systems and promoting international cooperation in STI, is one of main means of triggering STI to improve socio-economic conditions and building inclusive and knowledge-based societies for the future of humankind.”
Dr. Shaxlo U. Turdikulova, First Deputy Minister of Innovative Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, expressed her gratitude to UNESCO and IsDB and the wish that this joint work will bring an important contribution in building a sustainable STI system in Uzbekistan. She informed the audience that “we continue our in-depth work on further strengthening the system. In particular, the country’s leader has set a task to develop a Concept of science development until 2030, which will determine the basis for scientific, technological and innovative development in the medium and long term.
The next step of the UNESO-IsDB project is to design the national STI policy and the action plan for Uzbekistan. For this purpose, two online surveys were implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Innovative Development (MoID).