PROBLEMS AND STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS OF SCIENCE DEVELOPMENT IN KAZAKHSTAN: EXPERT INTERVIEW WITH STAKEHOLDERS OF SCIENTIFIC PROJECTS

Over the 30 years of independence, Kazakhstan has made significant advances in science, but has also faced challenges. The collapse of the Soviet-era infrastructure and the transition to a market economy have negatively affected research. Despite enormous reforms, Kazakhstan still experiences low levels of expenditure on science and technology and limited contribution to the knowledge economy. This study used the problem-oriented expert interview method and content analysis of interview results using AtlasTi software to examine the problems in the science and technology sector of Kazakhstan. Twenty experts with more than 10 years of research experience participated in unstructured interviews. The analysis revealed several key problems: lack of funding and resources, personnel problems, scientific ethics and motivation, bureaucratization and science management were mentioned by many experts. Another significant problem in technology development is the lack of interaction between science, business and the state. Weak research infrastructure and insufficient support for scientists also create problems. The study identifies critical issues in Kazakhstan's scientific landscape and suggests directions for a science and technology development strategy: increasing and optimizing funding allocation, reforming human resources policies, improving interactions between science and business and industry, modernizing scientific management and reducing bureaucracy, increasing transparency of processes, supporting high-quality research and ethics in science, strengthening international cooperation.