World Experience in R&D Funding to Develop the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Uzbekistan

The question of commercialization and financing of R&D and innovation becomes the priorities for the sustainable development of the national economy. As world practice shows that creation and effective management of national innovation systems and programs have become a driving force for the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The path of innovative development in western countries is the result of private investment in high-tech and R&D. State innovative policy in these countries aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the national economy by supporting small business which usually have got new ideas and projects for the production of goods, works or services but face the lack of financial resources. For Uzbekistan, achieving innovative and technological development is criutial, as the share of SMEs in GDP of Uzbekistan amounts to 56.7% in 2015 and made 1/3 of all industrial and 98% of agricultural production within the sector, and employs 77% of the total employed population. Thesis work is aimed to identify opportunities to apply the high experience of developed countries funding R&D and innovation for SME development in Uzbekistan. The structure of the thesis consists of introduction, three chapters, combining subparagraphs 8, conclusion, bibliography and appendices. Results: 1. The definitions of the basic concepts of innovation are given. 2. Reviewed national innovation system and the basic tools of R&D funding in the US, the EU, Japan and South Korea; 3. Made detailed analysis of the main innovative policy directions of selected countries. 4. Studied the trends of innovative development of SMEs in Uzbekistan as a priority subject of the economy. 5. As a result of the research there were chosen main directions of the state policy in the field of R & D funding and innovation prism of the SMEs.