Uzbekistan presented a national study on IT employer branding

At the initiative of the Ministry of Digital Technologies and with the support of IT Park Uzbekistan, the consulting company Ecopsy conducted a comprehensive study on IT employer branding in Uzbekistan. The research covered companies employing more than 50 IT specialists — including representatives of the IT industry as well as enterprises from related sectors such as retail, banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing, which are actively developing their internal IT expertise. 

ECOPSY is one of the largest management and HR consulting firms in the CIS (ranked #1 by RAEX, 2015–2025). The company works with leading organizations across more than 20 industries, serves 85% of companies listed in the Forbes rankings, and ranks among the top five fastest-growing strategic consulting groups according to RAEX (2025).

The primary objective of the study was to identify the key factors influencing IT professionals when selecting an employer, as well as to assess the strengths and limitations of companies from the perspective of job seekers. As part of the project, 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with experts representing various segments of the IT market — both within the IT industry itself and in related sectors such as retail, banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing. An increasing number of such organizations are now developing internal IT expertise by building their own digital products and in-house teams. Among the experts were prominent representatives of Uzbekistan’s IT community, including Bokhodir Ayupov (ITPU), Rustam Toshov (IT Alliance), Renat Akhtyamov (EPAM Systems), Abdukakhkhor Tashmukhamedov (Green White Solutions), Anna Ambrozevich (Women in Tech), Nuriddin Iminokulov, and Farkhod Makhmudov (OSON), along with other industry experts.

The research revealed that the main challenges facing the IT labor market are the shortage of highly qualified IT professionals (cited by 60% of experts), the strong demand for mid- and senior-level specialists (40%), and increasing competition for talent driven by the presence of international companies. Experts also pointed to the outflow of experienced professionals, the deficit of specialized experts in artificial intelligence, and the shortage of project and product managers. 

Amid the rising demand for IT professionals from international companies, the average salary levels in the market continues to increase, prompting professionals to continuously upgrade their qualifications and technical competencies.

According to the data, the number of jobs in the information and communications sector in Uzbekistan increased from 87,800 in 2023 to 98,600 in 2024. Each year, the labor market is replenished with graduates from 106 universities offering IT-related programs.

Among the key trends identified in the study are the integration of artificial intelligence into business processes, the expansion of corporate learning, the intensifying competition from international companies, and the transition to hybrid employment models.

Based on the research results, experts formulated three strategic priorities for employers: retention and engagement of employees, professional development and upskilling through corporate universities, and building a strong and sustainable employer brand.

This study represents another step toward establishing a systematic approach to developing attractive HR branding within Uzbekistan’s IT industry. Its outcomes will serve as a foundation for further initiatives aimed at strengthening human capital, supporting career growth, and building a sustainable professional community.

IT Park Uzbekistan, together with the Ministry of Digital Technologies, will continue its efforts to improve working conditions, support companies in developing effective HR strategies, and create an environment that enables top professionals to realize their full potential within Uzbekistan.