Developing the Innovative Economy and Startup Ecosystem: Education in Focus for the Future

A round table on the topic "Innovative Economy and Startup Ecosystem" was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The event was organized in accordance with the instructions of the Leader of the Nation, voiced at the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. In his speech, the Leader of the Nation emphasized the importance of establishing modern educational institutions and technology centers focused on priority areas of science and innovation, as well as developing an effective methodology to strengthen the scientific, educational, and industrial integration in higher education institutions.

The round table brought together representatives of higher and secondary professional educational institutions, along with members of the Council of Economists of Turkmenistan. The discussions focused primarily on the development of the startup ecosystem and the innovative economy, as well as on improving educational programs to meet the current demands of the labor market. Participants also addressed ways to support students' entrepreneurial initiatives and create conditions for the successful integration of science, education, and production.

Special attention was given to the challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the growing use of artificial intelligence in all sectors of the economy. Participants emphasized that, in the context of rapid technological change, it is crucial to forecast labor market demands for skills and professions. Recommendations from the International Labour Organization on adapting educational systems to future labor market requirements were reviewed. It was noted that the successful preparation of specialists requires studying the efforts of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Turkmenistan, which analyzes and forecasts labor market needs. Aligning educational programs with these forecasts will be key to forming relevant qualifications.

During the round table, presentations were given on international practices in developing startup ecosystems within universities, along with mechanisms for adapting such models in Turkmenistan. Participants discussed ways to strengthen the interaction between educational institutions and industry, including the implementation of dual education programs that combine theoretical learning with practical experience at enterprises. Considerable attention was also given to the legal and financial support for young entrepreneurs, including the provision of concessional loans and the patenting of innovations.

Following the instructions of the Leader of the Nation, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan is working on the draft Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052, which will be submitted for review at the next session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. The document will incorporate all proposals made during the round table, as well as advanced international experience.

The strategy will outline key directions for modernizing the educational process, including the creation of innovative educational centers and laboratories within universities, the development of startup ecosystems and an entrepreneurial culture among students, the strengthening of science-production integration, and the implementation of flexible curricula aligned with labor market forecasts. Special emphasis will be placed on the digitalization of education, the preparation of specialists for high-tech industries, and the establishment of lifelong professional development opportunities. Additionally, the strategy will promote active collaboration with employers and ensure the participation of educational institutions in the economic transformation of the country amid global changes.

The outcomes of the round table will form the basis for new educational initiatives aimed at fostering an innovative economy and preparing specialists ready to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Participants highlighted that the creation of business incubators and the introduction of startup initiatives within educational institutions will strengthen the connection between education and the labor market, enhance the competitiveness of graduates, and open new opportunities for economic and technological development in Turkmenistan.

Источник Министерство образования Туркменистана