German University of Digital Science Strengthens Academic Cooperation with Leading Universities in Uzbekistan

Berlin, 12 June 2026 – The German University of Digital Science (German UDS) took part in a high-level roundtable discussion on dual education and higher education reform hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Berlin. The event brought together senior representatives of the Uzbek government, rectors of leading Uzbek universities, German higher education experts and institutional stakeholders to discuss the future of practice-oriented higher education and international academic cooperation.

Representing German UDS, Prof. Dr. Mike Friedrichsen, President and Founder of the university, contributed to discussions on innovative educational models, digital transformation in higher education, and the role of international partnerships in preparing future generations for the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

The roundtable formed part of an official delegation visit led by H. E. Kongratbay Sharipov, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan, and included rectors from more than a dozen leading universities across the country. The initiative aims to examine Germany’s successful dual education system and explore opportunities for adapting best practices to Uzbekistan’s ongoing higher education reforms.

Focus on Strategic University Partnerships

Alongside the roundtable discussions, Prof. Dr. Friedrichsen held in-depth meetings with Prof. Dr. Inom Madjidov, Rector of the National University of Uzbekistan (NUU), and Prof. Dr. Sadritdin Turabdjanov, Rector of Tashkent State Technical University (TSTU), two of the country’s most influential higher education institutions.

The discussions focused on advancing cooperation between the institutions and identifying concrete pathways for future collaboration. Topics included the development of joint and dual-degree programmes, faculty and student mobility, digital learning initiatives, executive education, micro-credentials, and collaborative research activities.

The partners also explored innovative approaches to combining academic excellence with practical industry experience, reflecting Uzbekistan’s ambition to strengthen the connection between higher education and labour market needs.

Supporting Uzbekistan’s Higher Education Transformation

Uzbekistan has embarked on an ambitious modernisation agenda for its higher education sector, supported by initiatives such as Digital Uzbekistan 2030 and the U10 university development framework. Universities across the country are increasingly seeking international partnerships that deliver measurable academic, technological and economic impact.

The discussions highlighted strong complementarities between the participating institutions. While NUU and TSTU bring extensive expertise in natural sciences, engineering and applied technologies, German UDS contributes a unique model as a fully digital, state-accredited German university specialising in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Digital Leadership, Digital Transformation and Advanced Digital Reality.

“International cooperation in higher education must go beyond symbolic agreements,” said Prof. Dr. Mike Friedrichsen. “The future belongs to partnerships that create shared programmes, joint innovation and measurable outcomes for students, researchers and society. Uzbekistan is emerging as one of the most dynamic higher education environments in Central Asia, and we are proud to contribute to this development.”

Building Bridges Between Europe and Central Asia

The meetings concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and move discussions towards concrete implementation. Future activities under consideration include joint academic programmes, collaborative research projects, digital campus initiatives, and new opportunities for students and faculty across both regions.

The participation of German UDS in the Embassy roundtable marks another important step in strengthening educational and scientific cooperation between Germany and Uzbekistan and reflects the university’s broader commitment to building international partnerships that advance innovation, digitalisation and academic excellence on a global scale.