In 2026, transformations aimed at changing the science management system began in the country. According to a decree by President Sadyr Japarov, the National Academy of Sciences, scientific organizations under state bodies, and universities have been granted financial autonomy. They can now independently set tariffs and manage the funds received.
New Opportunities for Earning and Financing
New sources of income are opening up for the scientific community, including conducting research, providing consulting and educational services, as well as other commercial activities. At the same time, legislation imposes certain obligations on higher education institutions to support research.
Financial Indicators of the Reform
In parallel, the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovation has submitted amendments to the relevant law for discussion. One of the key changes will be replacing the certification of scientific organizations with accreditation. Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic will receive the authority to promptly finance projects critical to the country's energy, food, and technological security.
The Problem of Connecting Science and Business
Despite the autonomy granted, experts point to the lack of a full-fledged mechanism for interaction between scientists and the economic sector. For full development, a "triple helix" model is required, where science, business, and the state work in a single link. In the current situation, scientists possess resources but often lack clear orders from the real sector of the economy.
Furthermore, the process of obtaining funding remains lengthy: conducting a tender can take six months or more. To solve this problem, mandatory independent expertise for grant projects is being introduced.
