The Startup Ecosystem of Kyrgyzstan

The national innovation support system has made some progress but requires more initiatives. The Kyrgyz Government is executing a program called Sanarip Kyrgyzstan (Digital Kyrgyzstan) that aims to build an open and transparent country with a knowledge-based economy, improving the overall business environment. On top of that, international organizations are also active in the ecosystem. For example, PEAK Business Innovation Centers, funded by the UK government, supports the private sector in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Similarly, the business accelerator Accelerate Prosperity, the acceleration program KG LABS (a public foundation for startup development in Central Asia), and the High Tech Park are working towards creating a nurturing environment for startups to grow. Also, the Entrepreneurship Support Centers (ESCs) across the country provide legal and business consultations, as well as training to entrepreneurs.

Although there are notable legislative attempts to improve scientific and academic research, more needs to be done to encourage higher education and research and development institutions to collaborate with the corporate sector. Policymakers should focus on improving the national innovation system, strengthening the link between the various parts of the startup ecosystem, and strengthening the capacities of enterprises to absorb and adapt technologies to fully realize Kyrgyzstan’s potential for innovation-led sustainable development.