Oriented on making people closer

Within the framework of the international conference “Technological Innovations and Personnel Training for Construction, Industry and Energy of Turkmenistan” the fifth session dedicated to strengthening the link between education, science and production was held. Opening the session, the participants noted its compliance with the instructions adopted at the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty on 24 September 2024 in Ashgabat. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov put forward initiatives to strengthen the relationship between the educational system and scientific research and production processes, which made the theme of the session particularly relevant.

In his speech, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Azat Atayev, discussed the ongoing efforts to implement an entrepreneurial model in universities that allows institutions to actively engage in the commercialization of scientific developments by students and young researchers. Atayev pointed out that many universities ranked in the top 100 by Times Higher Education successfully employ this model, which has a positive impact on their positions in international rankings, thanks to high results in science metric indicators and educational metrics. He also proposed the creation of industrial councils at universities to promote interaction with employers and government bodies.

The speakers also emphasized the importance of technology development within the country, as the added value of modern industries increasingly depends on technological innovations. In this regard, the participants expressed the need for Turkmenistan to form its own technological base for the development of high-tech industries.

The universities shared examples of successful scientific research and achievements that could serve as the foundation for creating high-tech products and improving production efficiency. The rectors highlighted that the developed technologies cover areas such as biotechnology, environmentally friendly materials, renewable energy, and digital solutions for managing production processes.

Representatives of universities invited representatives of business and industrial circles to participate in joint implementation of projects based on these technologies. The universities were suggested to play the role of centers promoting commercialization of scientific developments and turning them into real products and services in demand in the market.

In order to strengthen the link between universities and employers, the creation of industrial councils was proposed. These councils will include representatives of employers, executive authorities and large companies, which will allow universities to take into account the current demands of the labor market and orient scientific research to the practical needs of industries. Such a mechanism, according to the participants, will make it possible to direct the research and development of universities towards the creation of products with a high level of added value, necessary for further strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy.

As an example of a successful approach to knowledge commercialization, the session participants noted that a significant proportion of leading internationally ranked companies, such as Standard & Poor's and Fortune 500, originated in university laboratories. This emphasizes the importance of the entrepreneurial model of universities and the concentration of young professionals, which helps to create innovative products and improve the reputation of universities.

Final proposals of the session

• Development of educational programs aimed at training specialists for technology-oriented industry, expansion of interaction between universities and industrial enterprises.

• Scientific and technical research and commercialization of developments: active participation of the International Science and Technology Park in innovation projects, development of cooperation with international organizations.

• Public-private partnership to attract investment and technology exchange, creation of joint research platforms to support the development of key industries.

Conclusion

The outcome of the fifth session demonstrated the commitment of Turkmenistan to sustainable growth through the integration of innovation, training of young professionals and strengthening international cooperation. The adopted initiatives create a solid foundation for technological progress and strengthening of the country's industrial potential, contributing to the long-term economic development of Turkmenistan, according to the website of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan.

Photo: education.gov.tm