Today’s rapidly globalization calls for further integration in all fields, with innovative thinking and an innovation-friendly environment at its core. As President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev puts it, “The most important task is to forge patterns of innovative thinking inside the minds of our people. Without innovation, there will be no development and no competitiveness.”

This involves the engagement of scientists throughout the educational process, as well as the rejuvenation and popularization of science.

More international exchanges

International experience shows that many countries, such as the Republic of Korea, China and Japan, have the mechanisms to encourage young people to study abroad, return home and put their scientific potential to use. This, in turn, will serve as an important experience for other developing countries.

The start of reforms in Uzbekistan, too, finds its reflection in the increasing number of young people studying abroad. Over the past three years, more than 3,000 young Uzbeks have received their education at prestigious international universities. The qualified youth trained at these universities contributes to the comprehensive development of Uzbekistan.

It is worth noting that the bilateral relations of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan with international research centers have been enhanced. An Uzbek-Chinese center for the production of medicine has opened its doors, and several joint Uzbek-Chinese research laboratories have been established. Relations with international organizations such as UNESCO and the International Atomic Energy Agency, too, have been intensified.

Supporting young talent

It is important to further support the initiatives of talented youth. The Youth Academy and Fund for Support of Talented Youth under the Ministry of Innovative Development were established with a fund of 3.8 billion soums ($3,6 million). By far, members of the Youth Academy in Uzbekistan have amounted to 1,800.

"Youth Technoparks" will be established in 13 areas across Uzbekistan to support young people in their quest for innovation and technological knowledge.

The very first international robotics competition in Uzbekistan was organized between the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the International Robotics Challenge and the RoboCUP television competition, all of which prove of great interest to youths in the country. Besides getting a cash prize of $21,000, winners would participate in the Asian Science Camp in China and enter Polytechnic University of Turin in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan.

The integration of education and innovation, science and industry is a step-by-step process. The first step is to understand the innovative ecosystem and prepare the legal framework. Another important task is to set educational standards on the basis of knowledge and science integration, involve more young people in scientific research and accelerate the commercialization of scientific and technological results.

The fact that the state has begun to act as a general customer, rather than a general inspector, shows that there is a healthy environment for this process to further unfold.

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon

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