On April 23, 2026, the Institute of Economics hosted a roundtable discussion entitled “Kazakhstan’s New Constitution: New Opportunities for Economic Science,” dedicated to examining the institutional, scientific, and socioeconomic dimensions of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, adopted by national referendum on March 15, 2026.
The event brought together leading researchers from the Institute, representatives of the academic community, and experts in the field of economics.
The roundtable was opened by the Director of the Institute of Economics, Doctor of Economics, Professor Ye.T. Sadykov, who emphasized that the adoption of the new Constitution marks a pivotal stage in the development of society one that precipitates far-reaching changes across Kazakhstan’s entire socio-political system and noted the considerable development potential embedded within it.
The keynote address was delivered by the Deputy Director, Doctor of Economics, Professor Z.K. Chulanova, who highlighted the consolidation of a human-centered development model as a defining achievement of the new Constitution. She observed that enshrining the primacy of human rights and freedoms at the constitutional level brings Kazakhstan’s legal framework closer in alignment with those of advanced nations. Particular emphasis was placed on the recognition of education, science, and innovation as strategic priorities of state policy a clear signal of the country’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy. The address also underscored the significance of academic freedom and a strengthened institutional foundation as prerequisites for sustainable economic growth.
Leading Research Fellow, Candidate of Economics N.Zh. Brimbetova drew attention to the imperative of advancing national interests through the development of science. She stressed the importance of deepening the Institute of Economics’ areas of specialization, reinforcing the role of fundamental research, and investing in the training of scientific personnel. She raised the question of establishing a state commission for scientific research, under which the government would define priorities, objectives, and research agendas for the academic community. She further argued that monographs and fundamental scholarly works deserve greater recognition and higher evaluation. Additionally, she identified the development of domestic academic journals, the cultivation of scientific patriotism, and the unlocking of regional science’s underestimated potential as key priorities.
Chief Research Fellow, Doctor of Economics, Professor N.K. Nurlanova drew attention to the continuing undervaluation of economic and social sciences more broadly. She highlighted the principle of territorial integrity enshrined in the Constitution not merely as a geographic concept, but as an economically significant principle underpinning regional development in terms of interconnectedness, complementarity of socioeconomic potential, social welfare provision, infrastructure development, and the mitigation of territorial disparities.
Leading Research Fellow, Candidate of Economics I.N. Dauranov addressed questions concerning the resilience of Kazakhstan’s economic model, identifying risks associated with the country’s dependence on raw material exports. He emphasized the need to reform the tax system, develop local self-governance, and combat corruption. In his view, the Constitution establishes the foundation for systemic transformation, but its realization demands concrete legislative and institutional steps.
Senior Research Fellow O.A. Adilkhanov put forward a series of practical initiatives, including a proposal to implement a phased increase in science funding to a level of at least 1% of GDP, in line with the constitutional priorities.
Leading Research Fellow, Candidate of Economics, Professor N.U. Bagayeva noted that provisions relating to science are reflected across several key articles of the Constitution. Her address emphasized the necessity of systemic measures to advance science and foster engagement with the business community. She also addressed issues pertaining to the digital environment, social policy, environmental responsibility, the country’s status as a social state, and the introduction of new institutional mechanisms including a national university ranking system and targeted support for young scientists.
Chief Research Fellow, Doctor of Economics, Professor F.M. Dnishev focused on the practical implementation of innovation policy. He cautioned that the development of innovation should not be confined exclusively to high technology, stressing the importance of a balanced approach that accounts for a broad spectrum of economic development factors.
The roundtable concluded with the adoption of a set of recommendations affirming that Kazakhstan’s new Constitution establishes a qualitatively new institutional foundation for the development of a knowledge-based economy, the strengthening of the country’s scientific capacity, and the achievement of sustainable socioeconomic growth. It was emphasized that giving effect to the constitutional provisions requires systematic, concerted effort, consolidation within the academic community, and the development of concrete implementation mechanisms. The roundtable’s recommendations will be incorporated into ongoing research activities.