Higher education, science, and innovation reforms discussed

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals aimed at further improving the higher education, science, and innovation system.

In recent years, the country has implemented large-scale reforms aimed at expanding access to higher education, improving its quality, strengthening scientific potential, and enhancing international cooperation. At the same time, the effective use of the system’s existing potential and deeper integration between science and the economy, as well as between education and research, remain key priorities.

In this context, the presentation examined new measures aimed at improving the higher education, science, and innovation system.

In particular, the “U10 – Uzbekistan’s Leading Universities at the Global Level” program will be launched. Under the program, 10 higher education institutions will be granted national research university status on a competitive basis, and scientific clusters will be established within them.

The competition will be conducted based on indicators such as the academic and research potential of faculty, the positions of participating institutions in national and international rankings, the quality of scientific infrastructure, and the level of research funding.

The scientific clusters will operate as consortia of domestic and international higher education institutions, research organizations, and industrial enterprises.

Higher education institutions granted national research university status will receive up to 150 billion soums from the Science Financing and Innovation Support Fund to establish scientific clusters.

It is also planned to introduce result-based financing mechanisms in the higher education system.

Specifically, starting from 2027, a system of financial incentives for higher education institutions will be introduced based on their performance in national rankings.

Universities will be assessed based on criteria such as the quality of education, research output, international cooperation, digitalization, and graduate employability.

New approaches to determining the level of funding allocated to universities for the education of students on a state-funded basis have been proposed. These will take into account factors such as the complexity of academic programs, labor market demand, university rankings, regional considerations, and incentives for faculty.

A new system for financing scientific research is planned. In particular, at least 50 percent of funding allocated under state scientific programs will be directed toward priority areas. Project selection will be carried out in cooperation with international experts, scientific and technical councils, and industry representatives.

A new system aimed at expanding the commercialization of scientific developments within higher education institutions and research organizations has also been proposed.

In particular, it is planned to launch the production of innovative products and services based on the “industry–enterprise–higher education institution–research organization” chain through the creation of university spin-off enterprises.

This is intended to facilitate the practical application of scientific results, strengthen technology transfer, and enhance the commercial activity of universities.

To turn Uzbekistan into a regional educational hub, new mechanisms for attracting foreign students have been proposed. In particular, it is planned to introduce the “New Uzbekistan Scholarship” program, which provides for the annual allocation of up to 500 grants for higher education at the republic’s state universities for talented foreign citizens.

During the presentation, other important initiatives aimed at improving management efficiency in the sector, advancing digital education and artificial intelligence, and supporting youth innovation were also discussed.

The President stressed the importance of carefully reviewing the proposed measures and elevating the higher education and science system to a new level through their phased implementation. Relevant instructions were given to responsible officials.