Investigating the Innovation Capability of SMEs in Kazakhstan: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Future-Proofing

Faculty Development Competitive Research Grant Program (General) 2024-2026

The purpose of this project is to study Kazakhstan's challenged innovation ecosystem, specifically looking at the local small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) context which accounts for the majority of the country's innovation effort, yet struggles to deliver meaningful and lasting results. Outcomes of this work will elicit useful insights around process innovation improvement aiming at producing policy recommendations for practitioners and policymakers in Kazakhstan and beyond. Specifically, the objectives of the proposed research are to:
1. Assess the current state of innovation preparedness and capability of SMEs in Kazakhstan;
2. Identify and rank in terms of importance the key internal and external factors influencing the innovation capability of SMEs;
3. Develop a nuanced innovation model for Kazakhstani SMEs, to help explain the requirements for sustained innovations;
Construct a comprehensive innovation framework and road map to help SMEs develop the necessary skills, digital knowledge, market insights, and financial acumen that is needed for successful innovation; and
5. Delineate the role of the state in supporting its fledgling innovation ecosystem.