Kazakhstan’s Strategic Leap: Internationalizing Higher Education for Economic Growth

Kazakhstan is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform its higher education landscape, aiming to bolster its economic development through international collaboration. Under the leadership of Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, the country is positioning itself as a pivotal player in the global knowledge economy.

The Vision: From Resource Exporter to Innovation Hub

Traditionally reliant on exporting raw materials like oil, gas, and minerals, Kazakhstan recognizes the need to move up the value chain. Minister Nurbek emphasizes that to achieve this, the country must cultivate a skilled workforce capable of processing and adding value to these resources. Central to this vision is the development of robust research universities that can drive innovation and competitiveness.

“We export oil, gas, and minerals, but we don’t process them. To move up the value-added chain, we need trained professionals—engineers who add value. It all comes down to our universities and colleges.”
— Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education

The Strategy: International Collaboration

In just two years, Kazakhstan has welcomed 19 international universities and consortia from countries including the US, UK, Korea, Germany, and Hong Kong. These partnerships are primarily collaborations with existing Kazakhstani institutions, aiming to transform local public universities into strong research centers.

This approach serves multiple purposes:

• Accelerated Development: Learning from established institutions helps Kazakhstan avoid the long and painful process of developing research capabilities independently.
• Global Standards: Collaborations ensure that Kazakhstani universities meet international standards, facilitating integration into the global supply chain.
• Geographical Spread: The foreign universities are geographically distributed across the country, promoting regional development.

The Goal: Research, Research, and More Research

Minister Nurbek underscores that research is synonymous with innovation. To compete globally, Kazakhstan must significantly increase its research output. This necessitates a world-class higher education system, achievable only through engagement with other top-tier systems.

“The ultimate goal is to transform local public universities into strong research universities with support and in partnership with foreign universities.”
— Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education

Kazakhstan’s strategic focus on internationalizing its higher education sector is a calculated move to foster economic growth and innovation. By partnering with global institutions, the country aims to build a skilled workforce, enhance research capabilities, and ascend the value chain in the global economy.

For a more in-depth analysis, you can read the full article on QS Insights Magazine: Kazakhstan – QS Insights Magazine 19.