Strengthening an inclusive science, technology and innovation system in Uzbekistan

More than 70 stakeholders and representatives from science-based ministries, academia, research institutions and universities came together in Tashkent on 18 February 2020, to discuss the dynamics of the Science, Technology and Innovation STI System in Uzbekistan, as well as the challenges and opportunities in accelerating STI-driven development in the country. This a National Consultation Workshop on Strengthening Inclusive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) System was organized in the framework of UNESCO- Islamic Development Bank project in STI policy.

The workshop marked the achievement of the first project results: the production of an assessment study of the STI system in Uzbekistan, along with a series of policy recommendations in STI to guide governmental actions in the future. In its next phase, the project will focus on cooperating with the Ministry of Innovation Development and relevant national partners, in the development of a national STI policy and design of key policy instruments for its implementation.

The Government of Uzbekistan has placed the development of science, technology and innovation in the country as a top policy priority and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has declared the year 2020 as the Year of Science, Education and Digital Economy.

The project, financed by the Islamic Development Bank, is being implemented by UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector, and the UNESCO Offices in Tashkent and Almaty.