VI ASTANA ECONOMIC FORUM: Kazakhstan has significant industrial and innovative development of research capacity requiring increase in many directions - George Bonas

- How do you assess the work of innovative Congress held traditionally within the Astana Economic Forum? What makes you interested?

- For several years I have been working on the development of scientific, technological and innovation cooperation between the EU Member States and the countries of Central Asia, with a focus on cooperation with Kazakhstan. In this context, the Innovation Congress (and also the Astana Economic Forum in the broad sense) gives me a unique opportunity to obtain information on the latest developments and trends in the progress of innovation policy and the potential of the country. Two aspects are most interesting for me - to listen to a high-level policy makers (MINT, "National Agency for Technological Development" JSC) with presentations of strategic guidelines and priorities for the country's development of research and innovation, and to study the interaction between the representatives of Kazakh companies and selected representatives of the developed technologies out of EU Member States in terms of future collective action.

From this event I expect to get information on the priorities of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU along the whole chain of science, technology and innovation, at this critical moment, coinciding with the launch of a new large EU Framework Programme for Research, Development and Innovation (Horizon 2020) and the launch of a major political dialogue between the EU and Central Asia project named IncoNet CA, where I will be the coordinator and in which Kazakhstan is a key partner.

- In what way, in your opinion, is policy on innovative development implemented in Kazakhstan?

- I see a decent and coordinated strategy on the part of the Kazakh government to invest in the development of science, technology and innovation, with a particular focus on the use of research: elaborating policies, structures and programs that are aimed at the problem and stimulate the industrial sector to apply research results.

I see also support the other side of the chain: Science - Technology - Innovation, i.e. development of the higher education sector, but perhaps to a lesser extent.

I suppose that all these actions are positive and necessary for the initial step in the direction of innovation. The next step in this matter should be more concentration on the framework conditions for innovation and to a lesser extent on the following activities going "top-down" and the programs. EU Member States may offer a variety of options, examples of successful approaches of such framework conditions (e.g, regional research clusters).

- Which European country could you compare Kazakhstan with on issues of innovation development?

- When I think of Kazakhstan as a country rich in oil and other natural resources, and at the same time implying science, technology, innovation as a priority and making some efforts for their advance, I can compare your country with Norway. This country is continuously investing in science, technology and innovation, despite the importance of oil resources, creating opportunities for a balanced and sustainable economic development through the optimal use of human resources and other comparative advantages.

Some Gulf countries are making similar efforts, but with one very important difference: in Norway and Kazakhstan higher education, research and industrial potential already exist, while in the Gulf countries all attempts to a greater extent are in the initial stages.

- Could you give advice that might contribute to improving the innovative development of Kazakhstan?

- Development of innovation is always a long-term goaldepending on many parameters. In this regard, I think that we need to develop comprehensive policies and implement a number of measures. At the moment I see a major problem - you need to target the last levels in the innovation chain (applied research, the use of technology), which can provide tangible results.

However, it is also necessary to invest in the long-term goals - such as education and research sector, on the one hand, and general conditions for innovation, on the other hand. In this regard, international surveys, one of which was implemented in 2012 (Review of Science and Technology Policy in Kazakhstan, implemented within the framework of the EU FP7 project titled IncoNet CA / SC), give a valuable contribution to the progress of national policies in the future.

- In your opinion, what is the potential of the country in matters of innovation?

- Kazakhstan has significant industrial and research capacity, which requires activation to meet social challenges and create an enabling environment conducive to the dynamic movement in many areas. In this context, the intention of the Government of Kazakhstan to invest in innovation is fully justified, as the plans to work closely with the European Union in this field.