At the recent conference on the Transformation of Higher Education in Uzbekistan, co-organized by the University of Economy and Diplomacy and the Nippon Foundation, CPRO took a pivotal role in addressing the evolving landscape of higher education within the region. Dr. Bekzod Zakirov, Director of CPRO, delivered a key presentation that highlighted the significant disconnect between scientific research and its practical application in industry and government sectors in Uzbekistan's public universities.
Dr. Zakirov proposed a transformative model for public universities to become more research-oriented, advocating for a systemic overhaul that encourages robust industry and government collaboration. This model aims to cultivate a more dynamic academic environment where research directly contributes to socio-economic development and policy-making.
The conference also facilitated engaging discussions with key stakeholders including representatives from the World Bank Munis project and the Uzbek-Japan Youth Innovation Center. These dialogues focused on potential collaborations that could bridge gaps between academia and industry, thereby enhancing the impact of university-led research.
This event marks a critical step in redefining the role of higher education in Central Asia, with CPRO at the forefront of pioneering educational reform to meet the demands of contemporary challenges.
