This study employs a qualitative documentary analysis of national policy frameworks, institutional regulations, international development reports, and comparative literature to examine systemic barriers impeding HR capacity development in Uzbek universities. The analysis identifies five interrelated constraints: centralised governance and limited institutional autonomy, chronic underfunding and fragmented resource allocation, HR units oriented primarily toward administrative functions, formalistic and misaligned professional development, and hierarchical organisational culture. The findings underscore the necessity of a holistic HR capacity development strategy to facilitate institutional modernisation, strengthen workforce capabilities, and advance the alignment of Uzbekistan’s higher education sector with international benchmarks.

Human resource capacity, higher education, Uzbekistan, systemic barriers

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