Science in Uzbekistan is developing under the Concept for the Development of Science until 2030, which aims to transform the country into an innovation- and technology-driven economy. The strategy focuses on increasing R&D funding, strengthening private-sector participation, modernizing laboratories, and expanding innovation infrastructure such as the Yashnabad Technopark. At the same time, challenges remain, including relatively low R&D expenditure (0.13% of GDP in 2023) and the need to ensure effective commercialization and global scientific integration.
Übersicht: The system of science in Uzbekistan
The President of Uzbekistan has approved the Concept for the Development of Science until 2030, aimed at guiding the country toward an innovative and high-technology economy. The document sets the task of accelerating scientific development, modernizing research infrastructure, training young researchers, and actively attracting investment in research and development. An important part of the strategy is the creation of an effective science management system: a national ranking of scientific organizations is being introduced, self-governance within research institutions is being improved, and partnerships between the state and scientific organizations are being strengthened.
The strategy envisions a significant increase in science funding: by 2025, total expenditures are expected to grow sixfold, and by 2030—tenfold. The share of the private sector will also expand substantially: private investment in scientific research is expected to reach 20% by 2025 and 30% by 2030. To support innovation, the strategy includes the creation of venture funds and the development of modern research infrastructure—new laboratories, expansion of the Yashnabad Technopark, and increased spending on technological innovation.
Major emphasis is placed on developing human capital: the plan aims to rejuvenate the scientific community, increase the number of young researchers holding academic degrees, and launch an Academic Mobility Program that will allow talented youth to undertake short-term training abroad and access modern scientific equipment. The digital transformation of science is also essential—Uzbekistan will create a national science portal, introduce researcher and institution rankings, and implement a unified electronic system for PhD and DSc training.
The decree also simplifies the recognition of foreign academic degrees and titles, establishes regular international audits of scientific organizations, and assigns responsibility for scientific development to regional authorities and sectoral ministries. Additionally, the strategy is supported by international partners: the World Bank is providing funding to modernize the national innovation system and strengthen the country’s scientific capacity.: https://lex.uz/docs/5057390
Research and development expenditure, percent of GDP
The latest value from 2023 is 0.13 percent, a decline from 0.16 percent in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 0.43 percent, based on data from 27 countries. Historically, the average for Uzbekistan from 2000 to 2023 is 0.19 percent. The minimum value, 0.11 percent, was reached in 2019 while the maximum of 0.36 percent was recorded in 2000. See the global rankings or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time(figure 6). https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/Uzbekistan/Research_and_development/