The need for a unified standard in business education in Tajikistan has been a topic of discussion for some time. In an interview with Asia-Plus, Davron Babajaniyon, Doctor of Sciences in Economics, Professor, and Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at the Khujand International Institute, the Branch of the Tajikistan International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship in Khujand, shared his thoughts on the urgent need for synchronization between business and education in the country.
From parallelism to synchronization
“The question of a unified business education standard has long been overdue,” said Babajaniyon. “For decades, we have been building our national economic school, training managers, financiers, and marketers. However, in the context of digital transformation, global trends, and the rapid implementation of artificial intelligence, we must ask ourselves a tough question: are our educational practices ready for the challenges of the 21st century?”
As a representative of the academic community, Babajaniyon is convinced that the time has come to move from the parallel existence of universities and businesses to technological and conceptual synchronization. “Universities should no longer be ‘ivory towers.’ We must become active participants in the economy—not just educating but also shaping its development.”
The university as a living part of the business environment
The Tajikistan International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship was initially conceived as a bridge between academic knowledge and the real economy. The university is progressively developing its digital education infrastructure and building partnerships with businesses.
“The integration of e-documentation and automation of academic procedures, project-based work using AI, including case analysis and business task modeling, and the launch of student support mechanisms through joint initiatives with companies and banks (including scholarships and internships) are not just declarations but concrete steps towards bridging the academic and entrepreneurial worlds.”
Why we support a unified standard
Babajaniyon noted that the current ecosystem for training managers in the country is highly fragmented, with different terms, approaches, and quality standards. “This fragmentation leads to a lack of a common language between graduates and employers, resulting in a loss of time, resources, and opportunities.”
He emphasized the need for a unified framework—one that provides direction without being restrictive. "We support the idea of a unified business education standard not as a formal document but as a living, flexible platform that paves the way for quality, practice-oriented programs, including those with digital solutions, AI, and project-based methodologies."
Teacher qualification: the key to reform
“You can’t prepare the new generation of managers based on outdated textbooks and disconnected-from-reality approaches,” Babajaniyon pointed out. “That’s why one of the central elements of reform must be the professional development of management, marketing, and entrepreneurship teachers.”
He stressed that this must go beyond a mere formal update for accountability. “It’s about a deep and meaningful rethinking: new teaching methods, an updated base of case studies, alignment with real business needs, active dialogue with employers, and the use of AI and digital platforms in teaching.”
The Academy of Management and Business under the National Association of Managers and Marketers is already systematically developing this line, creating educational products like the MBA Kids program, as well as building infrastructure for teacher certification and methodological support, including international accreditation and involving industry professionals.
“The teacher in this new system is not a mere transmitter of theory but a mediator between knowledge and practice. We need to train, develop, and engage them in dialogue. Only in this way can we build a sustainable educational ecosystem.”
What we are ready to offer
The Tajikistan International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship is not only ready to support the unified standard but is also prepared to actively participate in its practical implementation:
- Sharing experiences in the digitalization of the academic process and the implementation of AI;
- Contributing to the creation of a digital platform for business education and developing LMS modules;
- Expanding partnerships with businesses in the areas of internships, scholarships, and practice-oriented courses;
- Offering programs for students who are already working in real businesses, not just those preparing for a career.
The final note
“A unified business education standard is not a limitation but a navigation tool,” Babajaniyon concluded. “It doesn’t erase individuality but provides direction and points of convergence. It helps create continuity between schools, colleges, universities, and employers. It brings education closer to reality and reality closer to the future. The sooner we start acting in sync, the faster we can prepare the next wave of managers—those who will not just adapt, but lead the way.”
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