Transition Towards a Knowledge-Based Society in Post-Communist Kazakhstan: Does Good Governance Matter?

Abstract

This article analyses and reviews the progress made by Kazakhstan, a post-communist country in Central Asia, towards its journey to become a knowledge-based society. An attempt has been made to examine how and to what extent good governance plays a critical role in building a knowledge-based society. Available evidence suggests that Kazakhstan made considerable advancement, in the midst of profound transitional challenges, to move to transform itself into a knowledge society. The article argues that, while improving governmental quality, good governance will have a solid impact on transforming Kazakhstan to a knowledgebased society in order to achieve the 'Kazakhstan 2030' policy strategy.

Long-Term Comparative Advantages of the Eurasian Economic Union Member States in International Trade

“…Moreover, she also points out that taking the strategic course on industrial-innovative development of the country is a condition precedent for elaborating and then implementing new scientific ideas and technologies. This process of necessary transformation is currently underway in Kazakhstan, although it is progressing relatively slowly [Bhuiyan, 2011].…”

Critical issues of intellectual capital theory in transitional countries

“…From the mid-1990s, Kazakhstan commenced a number of political and economic reforms, such as price liberalization, recognition of private property rights, establishment of a business environment conductive to foreign investments, and privatization program (Bhuiyan 2011;Knox 2008). The political reforms took place through changes to the constitution and programs of public service modernization.…”

“…Over next 5 years, Kazakhstan's rank had gradually fallen to 72 out of 142 in the year 2011, it raised again up to 51st position. The next goal set by the President Nazarbaev is to reach 30th position in Global competitiveness rating by 2050.…”

“…Today one can fairly assert that Kazakhstan has passed the initial phase of the transition from a planned to a market-based economy (Bhuiyan 2011). However, Kazakh companies need an approach to leverage innovations within their organizations (Dosmanbetova 2013;Statsenko et al 2013;Tsekhovoy and Statsenko 2010;Zabortseva 2009), and this is effectively the task of managing their intellectual capital.…”

“…IC is considered to be the key driver of innovation capacity (Bhuiyan 2011;Bukh and Johanson 2003;Cabrita and Bontis 2008;Roos et al 2012;Sveiby 2003), which have a strong impact on productivity of firms (Sveiby 2003). As innovative firms are financially more robust and generate higher employment; management of IC is a key determinant of future firm performance.…”