Science is developing rapidly in Kazakhstan: funding is increasing, new laws and important government decisions are being made. What is the current state of science in Kazakhstan?
In recent years, many countries, including the Republic of Kazakhstan (RoK), have been actively working to improve their science and research infrastructure, channelling considerable effort into improving the quality of research and development (R&D). However, despite the successes achieved, the data show that global and local performance in this area faces a number of challenges and requires significant attention and support. In this article, we will review the current state of science in Kazakhstan and the prospects for its development in the coming years. In addition, we will analyse the plans and challenges that stand in the way of its progress.
State of R&D in Kazakhstan in 2023-2024
In Kazakhstan, the volume of R&D services in 2023 reached a record 200 billion KZT (Kazakhstan tenge), up 50% from 2022. R&D expenditure also set a new record for the last few years, totalling KZT 172.6 billion, up 42% from a year earlier.
However, despite the positive trends, these indicators are still insufficient. Kazakhstan scored only 25.7 points in the Global Innovation Index, ranking 78th out of 133 countries. In Central and South Asia, Kazakhstan ranks third, behind India (39th with 38.3 points) and Iran (64th with 28.9 points).
However, despite the aforementioned achievements in R&D in Kazakhstan in 2023, the situation worsens in 2024. In the first half of 2024, R&D services totalled 44.7 billion KZT, a 23% decrease compared to the same period in 2023 (IFO - 67.5%). The largest volumes of R&D services came from research and experimental development in biotechnology and research and development in geology: 4.4 billion and 4.3 billion KZT, respectively.
By region, more than a third of total R&D services were distributed as follows:
- Almaty: 15.7 billion KZT.
- Astana: 7.3 billion KZT.
- Mangistau Oblast: 4.4 billion KZT.
Achievements and prospects of science in Kazakhstan
According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan (MSHE RK), there are 425 research and development organisations in the country, employing 25.5 thousand researchers.
In the first half of 2024, the Law “On Science and Technology Policy” was adopted, which aims to develop the scientific sphere and implement technology policy. The law is designed to promote the implementation of the results of scientific achievements to improve the country's competitiveness, as well as to address the strategic, professional and social objectives of scientific activity.
From 1 January 2024, the salaries of employees of scientific organisations were increased by 18%.
The amount of additional payments to scientific workers for having scientific titles has been increased:
- 25-fold MRP (monthly calculation index) for an associate professor (associate professor) with the degree of candidate of sciences, doctor of philosophy and doctor in the profile (previously - 17 MRP);
- 42 times the MRP for an associate professor (associate professor) with a doctoral degree (previously 34 MRP);
- 50-fold MRP for a professor with the degree of candidate of sciences, doctor of philosophy, doctor in profile and doctor of sciences (previously - 17 MRP).
The Ministry notes the strengthening of the institutional role of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan (NAS RK) and the resolution of issues of budget financing of the Academy. To make strategically important decisions in the development of science in Kazakhstan created the National Council on Science and Technology under the President of Kazakhstan. In addition, 250 scientific organisations have gained access to the international databases Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct.
In 2024, 1971 scientific projects, 162 scientific and technical programmes and 137 commercialisation projects are being implemented. Young scientists are working on 727 scientific projects. In the field of scientific research, emphasis is placed on the development of applied projects that support the innovative development of the economy and social sphere. Active cooperation with leading international scientific centres and universities continues, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience in key scientific and technological areas.
International partnership and digitalisation of higher education in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, amendments have been made to the Concept of Development of Higher Education and Science for 2023-2029, which are aimed at improving the quality of higher education and the effectiveness of scientific research.
As part of the implementation of the instructions of the Head of State and the Concept, work is actively underway to open branches of foreign universities. This contributes to the development of the domestic system of higher education, improving its quality through the transfer of knowledge and best international practices, as well as increasing the share of foreign students. As of today, 19 strategic partnerships have been worked out, of which 15 branches of foreign universities have been opened. Another 8 are under development.
The main focus is on universities with international campuses and their partnerships with Kazakhstani educational institutions.
International rankings of the best universities in the world included 21 Kazakhstani universities in the QS World University Rankings and 29 universities in the Times Higher Education rankings. Four Kazakhstani universities took positions in these rankings, among which Nazarbayev University was represented for the first time.
Memorandums have been signed with major companies such as Coursera, Huawei Technologies Kazakhstan LLP and Binance Kazakhstan to develop cooperation and introduce innovative learning technologies. Huawei ICT Academy has been established in 35 universities, which offer certified courses. With the support of Binance Kazakhstan, about 350 teachers from 22 universities with information and communication technology faculties have been trained in blockchain technologies.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Amazon to engage students in IT areas in the OpenSearch project and gain industry-level experience. In 2024, 15 Kazakh universities will implement Google courses on artificial intelligence, with 12 thousand students taking part in a course on Generative AI. Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abay and Aktobe Regional University named after K. Zhubanov are participating in the Google for Education pilot project. Twelve educational institutions are involved in NVIDIA's DLI project, and 12 certified ambassadors will receive NVIDIA certificates.
Science funding in Kazakhstan
Akhylbek Kurishbaev, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, highlighted key issues such as the lack of funding, the shortage of specialists, and the level of access to medicine. He emphasised the need to find solutions for the application of technology in prevention, improved diagnosis and treatment. An important direction should be the development of domestic production of medicines and digital medicine.
According to the Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, the science budget for 2023-2025 increased 3.3 times compared to the previous three years. For 2024-2026 it is planned to allocate 730 billion KZT for scientific projects and developments.
In general for three years for this part of scientific activity from the budget will be allocated 489.2 billion KZT. In the current year, the volume of expenditures will amount to 145.3 billion KZT. Of this amount, almost half - 65 billion KZT - will be directed to programme-targeted financing. 56.2 billion KZT (38.7%) is earmarked for research grants and 24.1 billion KZT (16.6%) for grant funding for commercialisation.
An interesting fact is that over 50% of all allocated funds in the scientific sphere are spent on remuneration of scientists, laboratory technicians, engineers and designers. In 2023, out of a total of 172.6 billion KZT, 50.5 per cent (87.2 billion KZT) was spent on salaries. Only 5.7 per cent of the total budget was allocated for the purchase of equipment for scientific research.
The way to increase investment in science
For the next three years it is planned to finance scientific projects exclusively with public funds. The share of private co-financing in the commercialisation of projects remains low: in 2022 this figure was 25%, and in 2023 it was planned to increase to 30%.
There is a probability that this year Kazakhstan will see a sharp increase in financing from private structures. According to the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan, in 2024 the preparatory stage will be completed and the requirements for subsoil users to transfer 1% of their production costs to research and development will come into effect. This will make it possible to increase science funding by 25% annually and bring the share of commercialisation of scientific projects to 40% of the total volume of research. The plans of the Science Committee of the MNVO RK also indicate that the share of private co-financing should increase to 58% in the next three years.
If these forecasts come true, by 2027 Kazakhstan will be able to reduce the gap in the science intensity of the economy and increase spending on research and development to at least 1% of GDP. In 2022, the figure was 0.13%, and in mid-2023 it will be 0.25%, according to Science and Higher Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek. Nevertheless, the level of science funding remains extremely low.
One of the measures aimed at stimulating the commercialisation of scientific and scientific-technical activities is the provision of grant funding. Over the past few years, the total contribution of such projects to the scientific and technological development of the country totalled 68.6 billion KZT, including sales revenues, tax payments and other revenues. For 2023-2025 for these purposes is provided for the allocation of 62.1 billion KZT, which is almost double the amount of funding of previous years.
The Minister also said that in the framework of programme-targeted financing for 2023-2025 years allocated 16 billion KZT for the formation of scientific and technological infrastructure. A total of 7 specialised engineering centres and science and technology parks are planned to be opened by 2029.
Support for young scientists
The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan announced a competition for grant financing of scientific and scientific-technical projects for 2023-2025, oriented to support young specialists within the framework of the national project “Young Scientist”. 86 billion KZT has been allocated for the implementation of this project.
Under the national project “Technological breakthrough through digitalisation, science and innovation” and the concept of science development in Kazakhstan, the goal is to increase the number of scientists by 50%. The main focus will be on supporting young researchers and attracting talented young people to the scientific sphere. In particular, it is planned to hold a competition to provide 1,000 grants for postdoctoral fellows under the Young Scientist project.
The postdoctoral researcher will be able to conduct scientific research in a selected scientific organisation or university, receiving a monthly salary of about 500 thousand KZT for three years. This grant provides an opportunity for researchers who have completed their doctoral programme but have not yet defended their thesis to do so within a year.
All these measures are aimed at the comprehensive development of Kazakhstani science, increasing its competitiveness and contributing to the country's sustainable socio-economic progress. The share of young scientists is expected to increase by 50 per cent by 2025.
The Global Innovation Index ranking shows stability in the top positions, which emphasises that creating effective innovation ecosystems requires considerable time and effort. Countries that have already laid a solid foundation for their development are now reaping the benefits of their investments in science and technology.
Kazakhstan has prospects for gradually improving its position in this ranking, but success requires not only time and financial investment, but also active work at all levels. Key factors in this process are the development and implementation of relevant legislative reforms, support for researchers and the development of scientific institutions, which will create a more favourable environment for innovation. All measures developed and implemented by the government can strengthen the competitiveness of Kazakhstani science in the global arena and ensure its sustainable development.
