SYSTEMIC CRISIS OF INTEGRITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION OF UZBEKISTAN: SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS, DIGITAL VULNERABILITIES, AND GLOBAL REFORM PARADIGMS

Abstract

This article is dedicated to an analysis of current issues in combating corruption within the higher education system of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the context of ongoing institutional and legal reforms. The work examines the primary forms and causes of corrupt practices in the educational sphere, including insufficient transparency in management decisions, vulnerabilities in admission procedures, knowledge assessment, and personnel selection, as well as economic and socio-cultural factors contributing to the reproduction of corrupt practices. Particular attention is paid to evaluating the effectiveness of existing anti-corruption mechanisms, including the digitalization of educational processes, regulatory frameworks, and administrative control measures. Based on a comparative analysis of international experience and national practice, the necessity of transitioning to a comprehensive anti-corruption model focused on preventive measures, institutional independence of management, and the formation of a culture of academic integrity is substantiated. The article formulates conclusions and proposals aimed at increasing transparency, accountability, and trust in the higher education system of the Republic of Uzbekistan