Publication Details
Abstract
The present study highlights the importance of human capital in the innovative development context of Uzbekistan, whilst also investigating the extent to which its evolution corresponds with the economic growth strategies of the country. Based on national development programs, statistics, and existing studies, it examines the mechanisms of human capital formation and its role in innovation growth. While there has been extensive work in the areas of modernizing educational systems and prioritizing digital transformation, many of the findings from the research highlight systemic barriers from misalignment of skills, to regional divides in the ability to access quality education and gaps in adequate technological infrastructure. Results highlight that human capital development is at the heart of Uzbekistan's long-term growth; however, systemic inefficiencies are preventing it from operating at its full potential. To deal with these issues, the research suggests steps for improvements in education quality, vocational training delivery, and the transition from academia to industry. In this context, the paper argues that an integration, or at least a co-evolution of a global competiveness agenda and a human capital agenda is required if the country is to successfully transition to an economy characterized byhigher competitiveness and labor-productivity levels and an increased innovation content, and briefly discusses potential implications of this for education, health and technology policy reform.