Kazakhstan Takes a Leap Forward in Scientific and Innovation Policy: New Legislation Strengthens National Science System and Promotes Economic Growth through Innovation

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recently signed into law amendments and additions to several legislative acts in Kazakhstan that pertain to science and technology policy, platform employment, and state control. According to Akorda, the new legislation seeks to strengthen Kazakhstan’s national scientific system by defining the legal status of entities involved in scientific activities, establishing the legal framework for the National Academy of Sciences, outlining the functions of the Science Fund, and setting forth mechanisms for financing scientific activities.

The legislation aims to address strategic, professional, and social issues within scientific activity by closing legal gaps, creating conditions for training scientific personnel, implementing guarantees for social protection of scientists, and introducing corporate governance. Through this policy, Kazakhstan will focus on raising its internal level of scientific and innovative work while reducing the innovation gap with global technological leaders. The country also intends to assimilate new external information for commercial use by Kazakh companies based on the experience of developed countries.

To motivate scientists, the law includes provisions such as purchasing housing or improving living conditions under a joint program by the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Otbasy Bank. This is in line with President Tokayev’s instructions. The law is expected to contribute significantly to the development of science and technology policy in Kazakhstan while ensuring its competitiveness through effective application of scientific achievements and enhancing intersectoral coordination of scientific, technical, and innovation activities.

Overall, this new legislation represents a significant step forward in strengthening Kazakhstan’s national scientific system while promoting economic growth through innovation.