Central Asia’s AI landscape features Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as leaders, with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan following. Kazakhstan excels in digitalization, while Uzbekistan has unveiled a strategic plan for AI developments. Kyrgyzstan emphasizes local AI products, and Tajikistan aims to enhance education in AI. As countries vie for technological advancement, practical implementation and regulatory challenges remain prevalent.

In Central Asia, the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has gained momentum, positioning Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as frontrunners in this sector. Although two countries lagged in prerequisites for AI development until recently, all five republics are now striving toward digital advancement. The rise of AI not only symbolizes technological innovation but also serves as a competitive edge in the global economy.

Kazakhstan has demonstrated notable advancements in digitalization, establishing a robust foundation for AI adoption. The nation’s journey into digital transformation began with the banking sector and subsequently expanded to encompass public services, achieving nearly 100% online availability. The COVID-19 pandemic expedited this transition, and in 2023, under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership, Kazakhstan unveiled a comprehensive AI development strategy covering 2024 to 2029, which includes creating a supercomputer and enhancing data centers.

Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has articulated a target to quintuple the number of AI-based products by 2029 and ensure that educational offerings in AI are significantly expanded. Recognizing the strategic importance of nurturing qualified specialists, the National Center for AI plays an essential role in promoting AI culture and advancing human capital. Achievements such as the Kazakh language AI model, KazLLM, illustrate Kazakhstan’s commitment to integrating AI solutions tailored to national identity.

Uzbekistan, while trailing Kazakhstan, has formulated its own ambitious AI strategy, effective until 2030. The strategy aims to foster a $1.5 billion AI software and services market, increase government service accessibility via an interactive portal, and establish numerous AI research laboratories. Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov’s presentation at the Almaty Digital Forum underscored Uzbekistan’s commitment to enhancing its governmental AI capabilities and compliance with cybersecurity protocols by set deadlines.

Kyrgyzstan has initiated steps towards AI integration through the announcement of a National AI Strategy by Adylbek Kasymaliev at the same forum. The strategy emphasizes the creation of local AI products, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and employing AI to address societal issues. Collaborations with Russia’s Skolkovo Institute aim to enhance the nation’s expertise, particularly in public administration and economic applications.

Conversely, Tajikistan, claiming to lead the region in AI development, has been slow to implement its 2022 National AI Strategy. Despite rolling out a pilot AI education program in select schools, more extensive initiatives are required to make substantive progress in adopting AI technologies. Plans to integrate AI fundamentals into all schools by 2026 reflect a commitment to future-proofing education in the country.

In summary, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are at the forefront of Central Asia’s AI initiatives, with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan actively seeking to enhance their positions in this domain. Despite the progress made, the disparity in implementation and regulatory frameworks presents ongoing challenges. If Kazakhstan’s potential AI legislation is realized, it may set a significant regional benchmark, while Uzbekistan’s ambitious targets reveal a forward-looking economic outlook. The distinct strategies adopted by Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan underscore the diversity of approaches to AI development in the region, revealing a competitive landscape that will evolve in the coming years.

Original Source: timesca.com

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