Uzbekistan - a country of innovations?

The Global Innovation Index 2022 ranks the Republic of Uzbekistan among the top three economies in Central and South Asia. The country has been active in introducing innovations in various fields, from road transport technologies to biotechnology. The relevant programmes and resolutions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan have been adopted. The Republic of Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investment. The country has a strong potential and abundant resources, both natural and human. By pursuing a consistent policy, the Republic of Uzbekistan is gradually beginning to assert itself on the world stage, and is striving to become a leader in Central Asia. Thus, the consideration of new projects carried out within the framework of innovation policy is relevant. The aim of the presented paper is to identify main innovation policy development trends in the Republic of Uzbekistan. To analyze the innovation policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the authors considered the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan coordinating the activities of the Ministry of Innovation Development, the New Uzbekistan Development Strategy for 2022-2026, as well as local and Russian experts’ assessments. The research literature, mass media sources, public opinion polls and statistical data, as well as the legal framework were studied. In this paper a diagnosis of the Ministry of Innovative Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been made, and the key tasks and directions of the country’s reforms in this area have been identified. The main projects, which attract significant investments and introduce new technologies and personnel, are described. The author’s position is as follows: the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan is struggling with the problems that hinder innovation reforms, as well as actively developing cooperation with foreign countries, international organizations and attracts the investments of private investors.