Assessing the Need for an MBA in Sustainable Economics and Finance: Evidence from Selected Higher Education Contexts in Uzbekistan

Gavkhar Isamutdinova^1,*, Ugilshod Akhmedova²

¹Director, Research center for business and management studies, International School of Finance Technology and Science, Uzbekistan

²Research analyst, Research center for business and management studies, International School of Finance Technology and Science, Uzbekistan

Emails: researchcenterisft@gmail.com; ugilshod.akhmedova@gmail.com

Abstract

This study assesses whether there is sufficient justification for developing an MBA in Sustainable Economics and Finance in selected higher education contexts in Uzbekistan. The research is based on two surveys conducted among stakeholders and prospective candidates. The findings show that sustainability-related economic and financial competencies are viewed as increasingly relevant, while stakeholders also identify clear skills gaps in this area. Prospective candidates show a generally positive but still conditional interest in the proposed programme. The results suggest that the programme would be most viable if designed as a practical and career-oriented MBA with strong emphasis on applied skills, internships, and real-world relevance. At the same time, affordability, language accessibility, and expected career outcomes appear to be important conditions shaping demand. Overall, the study concludes that the proposed MBA has a credible foundation in the surveyed context, but its success will depend on careful programme design and alignment with labour-market needs.

Keywords: Sustainable economics and finance; MBA education; Programme demand; Higher education; Uzbekistan; Sustainability-oriented management education; Labour-market relevance