Uzbekistan presented a national study on IT employer branding

At the request of the Ministry of Digital Technologies and with the assistance of IT Park Uzbekistan, the consulting firm Ecopsy conducted an extensive analysis of IT employer branding in Uzbekistan. This research focused on organizations that employ over 50 IT specialists, encompassing both IT industry representatives and businesses from related fields such as retail, banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing, which are actively enhancing their internal IT capabilities.

ECOPSY is recognized as one of the largest management and HR consulting firms in the CIS, holding the top position according to RAEX from 2015 to 2025. The firm collaborates with leading organizations across more than 20 sectors, serves 85% of the companies featured in Forbes rankings, and is listed among the top five fastest-growing strategic consulting groups as per RAEX (2025).

The primary aim of the study was to pinpoint the critical factors that influence IT professionals' choices when selecting an employer, as well as to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of companies from the viewpoint of job seekers. As part of this initiative, 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with experts from various segments of the IT market, including both the IT sector and related industries such as retail, banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing. An increasing number of these organizations are now fostering internal IT expertise by developing their own digital products and in-house teams. Among the interviewed experts were notable figures from 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 specialists.

The findings of the research indicated that the primary challenges in the IT labor market include a shortage of highly qualified IT professionals, as noted by 60% of experts, a strong demand for mid- and senior-level specialists (40%), and heightened competition for talent due to the presence of international companies. Experts also highlighted the exodus of experienced professionals, a lack of specialized experts in artificial intelligence, and a deficit of project and product managers.

With the increasing demand for IT professionals from global companies, average salary levels in the market are on the rise, encouraging professionals to consistently enhance their qualifications and technical skills.

Data indicates that employment in the information and communications sector in Uzbekistan grew from 87,800 in 2023 to 98,600 in 2024. Each year, the labor market is bolstered by graduates from 106 universities that offer IT-related programs.

The study identified several key trends, including the integration of artificial intelligence into business operations, the growth of corporate training, heightened competition from international firms, and the shift towards hybrid employment models.

Drawing on the research findings, experts outlined three strategic priorities for employers: employee retention and engagement, professional development and upskilling through corporate universities, and the establishment of a robust and sustainable employer brand.

This study marks a significant step toward creating a systematic approach to developing appealing HR branding within Uzbekistan’s IT sector. Its findings will lay the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at enhancing human capital, fostering career advancement, and cultivating a sustainable professional community.

IT Park Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Technologies, will persist in its efforts to enhance working conditions, assist companies in formulating effective HR strategies, and foster an environment that allows top professionals to fully realize their potential within Uzbekistan.