Digital and artificial intelligence development plans: an overview of initiatives

On July 1, the President of the country reviewed the presentation of strategic plans in the field of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and telecommunications. In recent years, significant progress has been made in this industry. The number of residents of the IT park has exceeded 2,800, of which 752 are foreign companies. About 40 thousand young professionals with high incomes are employed in this field.

The export of IT services has grown from $ 170 million to almost $ 1 billion in five years. The Internet speed increased by 7 times, mobile Internet-by 4.5 times. Last year, about $ 70 million of venture capital was invested in startups in the sector.

As a result, the country rose 12 positions in the Global Startup Index, entering the TOP 100, as well as 17 positions in the international AI Readiness Index, taking first place in Central Asia.

Specific goals have been set for the next year: digitalization of public services should reach 70%, and the volume of IT services — 100 trillion soums. It is planned to improve its position in the "E-Government Development Index", rising no lower than 55th place. A number of strategic documents and projects have been prepared to implement these tasks.

Currently, 760 public services have been digitized, and 10 million citizens have used them. Special attention is paid to the development of digital government in key areas-education, medicine, construction and housing-that are most in demand by the population.

In accordance with the Presidential decree of October 2024, the Strategy for the Development of Artificial intelligence until 2030 was approved. $ 50 million has been allocated for infrastructure in this area. Among the priorities is the creation of a national model of artificial intelligence and the training of a million specialists.

The Minister of Digital Technologies spoke in detail about the stages of implementation of the strategy and measures for infrastructure development. Growth in the volume and export of IT services is a priority. Currently, Tashkent is a leader in these indicators, but creating a favorable environment and attracting foreign companies to the country's regions remain in the focus of attention for balanced development.