The discussion was attended by deputies, representatives of central government bodies, maslikhats of Astana and Almaty, the Institute of Parliamentarism, the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, and the Baitak Green Party of Kazakhstan.

First Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry Kanysh Tuleushin presented the report, emphasizing the proposal to legislatively regulate the merger of the Astana Hub International Tech Park and the Park of Innovative Technologies Autonomous Cluster Fund.

“The main goal of these measures is to strengthen synergy for the development of the innovation and ICT ecosystem. This work includes the consolidation of powers into a single Autonomous Cluster Fund Park of Innovative Technologies, clarification of functions, adjustment of key concepts, and optimization of management. All changes aim to align legislation with the needs of the new structure. The implementation of this block will consolidate support tools, eliminate duplicate functions, achieve key performance indicators by 2025, and scale up the successful practices of Astana Hub in the tech field to other innovative areas,” explained Kanysh Tuleushin.

Currently, the primary sources of funding for Astana Hub include funds from the republican budget allocated for state assignments and fees collected from technopark participants. As the Fund operates as a non-profit organization, the bill proposes replacing the term “fees and payments” with “membership fees” to more accurately reflect their purpose. These changes aim to reduce government spending on state assignments while ensuring the self-sufficiency of Astana Hub, thereby providing sustainable support for participants and fostering the growth of the country’s tech ecosystem.

Another set of amendments focuses on creating centralized access to information and support measures, enhancing collaboration among scientists, innovators, government agencies, businesses, subsoil users, and international partners.

A separate section of the legislative initiatives addresses the further development of the venture capital market. A key provision involves assessing the effectiveness of co-financing venture funds based on the profitability or loss of their assets, encompassing the entire project portfolio. This approach will align Kazakhstan's innovation policies with global best practices, highlight areas for improvement, and strengthen support for startups and innovation while attracting additional investment in high-tech industries.

Source: Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Photo: T. Tanybayev