Kazakhstan's Kurultai Proposes Improvements to Science Funding Mechanisms

Deputies of Kazakhstan's Kurultai are ready to work with the Government and the scientific community to improve legislation governing science and mechanisms for funding research and development (R&D). Kurultai Speaker Aibek Dadebay made the announcement on November 11 following a review of the Supreme Audit Chamber's report.

During the plenary session, Supreme Audit Chamber Chairman Alikhan Smailov presented the findings of a state audit of Kazakhstan's science sector. Lawmakers discussed the effectiveness of public spending on scientific research and developed a series of recommendations.

"The Government must ensure the effective implementation of the Supreme Audit Chamber's recommendations and the proposals put forward by deputies. For their part, lawmakers are ready to work with the Government and the scientific community to further improve legislation in the field of science and mechanisms for financing research and development," Dadebay said.

The Kurultai Speaker emphasized that Kazakhstan's new Constitution recognizes education, science and innovation as key national priorities. He noted that science should be regarded as a strategic resource that directly contributes to economic growth and the country's competitiveness.

The discussion followed a state audit that identified financial irregularities totaling 51 billion tenge in the science sector. Auditors also found that 47 billion tenge in public funds had been inefficiently planned or used.

Following the audit, materials concerning 36 cases were referred to the relevant authorities for consideration of administrative liability. In three additional cases, a decision was made to refer the findings to law enforcement agencies.