At present, the development of the digital economy poses new tasks for the education system. The focus is on the training of highly qualified young specialists capable of working in the digital environment, as well as with excellent command of modern programs and technologies. A vivid confirmation of this is the opening of new specialties in the areas of digital technologies in higher and secondary professional educational institutions of Turkmenistan and the introduction of innovative methods into the educational process. Ensuring the integration of science and production, supporting young people's striving for research work and the implementation of their innovative projects strengthen the foundation of the sustainable development of the economy.
In recent years, new professions have been emerging in many countries of the world due to the development of the digital economy. Data scientists (data analysts), artificial intelligence specialists, information security experts, digital systems managers and representatives of other new specialties are in great demand on the labor market. This situation shows that innovative development contributes not only to the modernization of technologies, but also to the creation of new employment opportunities.
Turkmenistan has defined as its main goal the study and introduction of advanced world experience and the development of its own model of transition to the digital environment – that is, a model based not only on the import of ready-made solutions and know-how, but also on internal scientific, technological and intellectual potential. In our country, a powerful impetus has been given to the development of high-tech industries, in particular the electronics industry. Effective measures are being taken to master science-related spheres, such as the creation of software, electronic services and information portals.
In the higher educational institutions of the country, new specialties and areas of training are being consistently introduced that meet the requirements of the national economy, which is actively developing on the basis of digitalization. It should be noted that in the 2026–2027 academic year, 20 new areas have been opened in the universities of Turkmenistan, and most of them are related to digital technologies. Of this number, 10 areas belong to specialist programs, 4 to bachelor's programs and 6 to master's programs. The improvement of curricula is carried out taking into account the tasks defined in the Program "Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State: National Program of Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2022–2052" and in the "Strategy for the Development of Higher Professional Education in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052."
As is known, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan has published a unique manual – the "Atlas of Professions of the Future." It is intended to become the main guideline for young people. Its main goal is to help applicants, students and young specialists understand which new technologies, products and management practices will shape the labor market of the future. The publication has been developed in accordance with the Strategy for the Development of Higher Professional Education in Turkmenistan for the period up to 2052. The manual describes in detail the promising industries that, as a result of the introduction of innovations, will experience a need for specialists with a modern education.
The upbringing of schoolchildren and university students as conscious, erudite and literate citizens with a broad outlook, capable of quickly mastering new technologies and effectively applying innovative methods, is the duty of education workers. The modernization of the material and technical base of secondary and higher educational institutions is of great importance in the formation of young people striving for innovation and thinking in a new way. The education of the younger generation is carried out in accordance with the state educational policy implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the adopted national programs and concepts, as well as relying on advanced domestic and world experience. Confirmation of the effectiveness of this work is the successful implementation of the tasks envisaged by the "Concept for Improving the Methodology of Teaching in General Education Programs in Turkmenistan for the Period up to 2028."
The active introduction of digital technologies into production, education, science, and management opens up broad opportunities for Turkmenistan to join the ranks of the developed states of the world. At the same time, the development of an innovative economy will ensure a further increase in the standard of living of the people, the creation of new jobs and sustainable economic growth.
