THE ROLE OF A SCIENTIFIC WORLDVIEW IN IDENTIFYING DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

A scientific worldview — the system of empirically grounded, methodologically consistent knowledge about nature and society — is crucial for diagnosing and solving development challenges. In the context of Uzbekistan’s transition from a centrally planned to an innovation-driven economy, the ability to frame problems through scientific reasoning determines whether reforms reach their intended targets or remain declarative. This article analyses how the scientific worldview operates as an epistemic lens for detecting economic, social and ecological bottlenecks, drawing on policy documents, statistical data and expert interviews. Using a mixed-methods design, we examine three domains: regional economic disparities, environmental sustainability of water management, and digital transformation of public administration. Findings demonstrate that (a) systematic hypothesis-testing reveals latent causal chains behind uneven regional growth, (b) modelling river-basin scenarios exposes hidden trade-offs in agricultural policy, and (c) evidence-based impact assessments prevent techno-optimistic biases in e-government projects. The discussion shows that institutionalising peer review, open data and research ethics within government agencies enhances diagnostic accuracy and public trust. We conclude that embedding scientific thinking into governance not only improves policy calibration but also fosters a culture of critical inquiry essential for sustainable development.