In recent years, Uzbekistan has been advancing education reforms centered on industrial diversification and the development of highly skilled human resources. Strengthening research capacity in science and engineering, reforming university governance, and cultivating doctoral-level talent are regarded as national priorities. At the same time, challenges remain in areas such as research infrastructure, doctoral education, industry–academia collaboration, and the international competitiveness of human resources. As a result, the supply of qualified STEM professionals has not kept pace with growing demand.

Against this situation, the Government of Uzbekistan has expressed interest in potential cooperation with Japan, including the possibility of future yen-loan projects. This survey is designed to collect fundamental information and examine possible cooperation approaches that will contribute to the formulation of such future projects.

The study involves a wide range of stakeholders, including universities and research institutes, relevant government ministries (such as the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; the Ministry of Economy and Finance; and industrial ministries), private companies, international organizations, former international students to Japan, and Japanese university faculty members. For higher education institutions, the survey will collect detailed baseline information covering educational systems, research activities, doctoral programs, faculty composition, financing, industry–academia collaboration, laboratory equipment, facility conditions, and international partnerships.

The survey will also examine the industrial sector, focusing on the shortage of technical personnel, the competencies required by companies, corporate R&D structures, and existing collaboration between industry and universities. These findings will help identify the “future direction of STEM human resource development” aligned with industrial structure and technological needs.

Based on the results, the study will propose potential approaches through which Japan can support the development of STEM human resources that will contribute to Uzbekistan’s future socioeconomic development.