A Decade of Transformation in Higher Education and Science in Kazakhstan: A Literature and Scientometric Review of National Projects and Research Trends

Timur Narbaev (), Diana Amirbekova and Aknar Bakdaulet
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Timur Narbaev: Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
Diana Amirbekova: Business School, Kazakh-British Technical University, Tole bi 59, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Aknar Bakdaulet: Business School, Kazakh-British Technical University, Tole bi 59, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan

Publications, 2025, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-24

Abstract: Higher education and science (HES) is one of the key drivers of a country’s economic growth. In this study, we examine national projects and research capacity in HES in Kazakhstan from 2014 to 2024. We conducted a content review and scientometric analysis with network and temporal visualizations. Our data sources included policy documents, statistical reports, and the Scopus database. Our findings suggest that, while Kazakhstan aligns with global trends in the field (e.g., digitalization, scientometrics monitoring, and internationalization), these are achieved through a state-led, policy-driven approach shaped by its post-Soviet context. Additionally, we note a dual structure in Kazakhstan’s HES sector, characterized by a strong top-down direction and increasing institutional engagement. In terms of the thematic trends from the temporal analysis, the country experienced a three-staged evolution: foundational reforms and system modernization (2014–2017), capacity building and evaluation (2018–2021), and, most recently, strategic expansion, inclusivity, and globalization (2022–2024). Throughout the analyzed period, low R&D intensity, disciplinary imbalances, and structural barriers still undermine desired development efforts in HES. The analyzed case of Kazakhstan can serve as “lessons learned” for policymakers and researchers working in the science evaluation and scholarly communication area in similar emerging or transition countries.

Keywords: content analysis; higher education; Kazakhstan; research trends; science policy; scientometric analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A2 D83 L82 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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