Development of the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) in Almaty
In 2023, the real growth of Gross Regional Product (GRP) in Almaty was 10.1%, reaching 24.8 trillion tenge, a record for the past decade. However, to sustain and accelerate this growth, it is essential to focus on innovation and the modernization of the city's economic structure.
The city operates several programs aimed at supporting innovation and economic development:
The state program «Digital Economy,» which includes the development of IT infrastructure and digital technologies.
The «Almaty Business 2025» program, aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized businesses.
The State Program for Industrial-Innovative Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020–2025, which aims at modernizing the industry and implementing new technologies.
Despite the successes, challenges remain, such as insufficient funding for innovative projects, limited access to advanced technologies, and a low level of cooperation between the academic community and businesses.
To address these challenges, in Singapore, under the «Smart Nation» program, the government actively collaborates with leading companies and universities to develop and implement innovative solutions in areas such as transport, healthcare, and energy. One of the key elements of this program is the creation of experimental zones, where new technologies and solutions are tested before mass implementation.
In Japan, with the support of the OECD, the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) has been implemented since 2014. The introduction of the SIP program in Almaty can become a catalyst for further economic growth and technological innovation. SIP offers an interdisciplinary approach that brings together the efforts of various sectors, which is especially relevant for a city with a developing innovation infrastructure.
Implementing the SIP program in Almaty could become a catalyst for further economic growth and technological innovations. The program offers:
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Interdisciplinary approach: Uniting the efforts of real sectors of the economy and scientific organizations.
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Technology transfer: Access to advanced technologies and their adaptation to local conditions through the academic community.
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Collaboration between the academic community and businesses: Increasing the number of joint research and projects.
For the successful implementation of SIP in Almaty, it is necessary to establish strong mechanisms for cooperation between the government, the private sector, and educational institutions. The Almaty Development Center could serve as a platform for coordinating joint projects and initiatives. This center would serve as a venue for meetings, conferences, and seminars focused on exchanging ideas and experiences.
Within the SIP framework, the Almaty Akimat will take on the role of coordinator and financier, providing the regulatory framework (development of the innovation development program) and offering grants and subsidies for the development of innovative projects. In turn, the private sector will provide financial resources and infrastructure, as well as participate in pilot projects and the implementation of new technologies. Educational institutions, particularly universities and research institutes, will be responsible for conducting scientific research, preparing qualified personnel, and providing expert knowledge.
Thanks to the interdisciplinary approach and active collaboration between various sectors, SIP can become a key element of Almaty's development strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability and innovation in the city's economy.
This is presented for information.
