PROSPECTIVE DIRECTIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGIES IN UZBEKISTAN

This article identifies and systematizes the most promising directions for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in Uzbekistan. The study is motivated by the transition from general digitalization to an AI-centered model of economic modernization and public-service delivery. Using a qualitative policy-analysis methodology, the paper combines a structured review of international research, comparative institutional evidence, and analysis of Uzbekistan’s regulatory and strategic documents. Particular attention is paid to Presidential Resolution No. PQ-358 of 14 October 2024, which approved the Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies until 2030, as well as earlier measures that established the national digital and AI policy architecture. The findings indicate seven interdependent priorities: sovereign and energy-efficient computing infrastructure; high-quality sectoral and Uzbek-language data; human capital and applied research; AI adoption in public administration and priority industries; an innovation and venture ecosystem; trustworthy AI governance and cybersecurity; and international cooperation with measurable implementation indicators. The paper argues that Uzbekistan’s comparative advantage is unlikely to arise from competing in frontier-model scale alone. A more viable pathway is specialization in domain-specific, multilingual and resource-efficient AI solutions adapted to public services, agriculture, healthcare, finance, transport, education, energy and industrial processes. The article concludes with policy recommendations for converting strategic targets into a sustainable national AI ecosystem.