Science in Turkmenistan is developing within the framework of the long-term state modernization program and the “Digital Turkmenistan” initiative aimed at transitioning to an innovation-driven economy. A key role is played by the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, which modernizes research institutes and advances priority areas such as energy, chemistry, biotechnology, digital technologies, and agriculture. Despite an increase in R&D expenditure to 0.14% of GDP in 2022, limited international integration and the need for updated infrastructure remain major challenges.
Обзор: The system of science in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan develops its science sector within the framework of its long-term national modernization agenda, aimed at transitioning to an innovation-driven economy and strengthening scientific and technological capacity. The key policy documents include the National Program for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan until 2052 https://turkmenistan.gov.tm/en (official government portal — policy section) and the State Program “Digital Turkmenistan”, which guides digital transformation across all sectors. https://digital.gov.tm
Science is viewed as an essential element of technological progress, productivity growth, and the training of highly qualified specialists.
Priority areas for scientific development include:
strengthening fundamental and applied research in energy, chemistry, ecology, medicine, biotechnology, and agricultural sciences;
expanding digital technologies, artificial intelligence, GIS, automation, and telecommunications under the Digital Turkmenistan agenda;
modernizing the scientific institutions of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, improving research standards and publication quality; https://science.gov.tm
integrating science, education, and industry, and developing innovation centers and technoparks.
Turkmenistan’s policy emphasizes training young researchers, expanding international cooperation, and engaging with UN, UNESCO, and EU programs, while promoting innovation in key sectors such as energy, gas-chemical industries, agriculture, water management, and healthcare.
-UNESCO country profile: https://www.unesco.org/en/countries/turkmenistan
-UN country page: https://turkmenistan.un.org
Despite progress, the country faces challenges such as limited international exchange, the need for modern research equipment, and further expansion of scientific infrastructure. Nevertheless, the state positions science as a key driver of technological progress and sustainable development.
Research and development expenditure, percent of GDP
Research and development expenditure in Turkmenistan in 2022 was amounted to 0.14% of GDP. In 2021, the value was 0.10%. This is the first year of growth after a decline. Since 2015, for the whole period of data from UNESCO, this indicator has increased in 1.27 times. The lowest Gross domestic expenditure on R&D was recorded in 2018, with a value of 0.08% of GDP. The maximum research and development expenditure percent of GDP of Turkmenistan was in 2016, when it reached 0.16(figure 11).
https://statbase.org/data/tkm-research-and-development-expenditure