What is it about?

This study explores how telecommunications companies in Kazakhstan view partnerships with universities, focusing on how willing and ready they are to share and develop knowledge together. Using surveys and interviews with representatives from 28 companies, the research reveals how business size and origin influence these attitudes. It also investigates the barriers that prevent closer collaboration, such as lack of government incentives, low trust in the academic system, and a mismatch between university research and industry needs.

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Why is it important?

University-industry collaboration is one of the key drivers of innovation, especially in emerging economies like Kazakhstan. Yet in this context, such partnerships remain rare. Understanding how businesses perceive knowledge collaboration, and what prevents them from engaging, can help policymakers and education leaders develop strategies that support innovation and economic growth. This research sheds light on the gap between higher education and the private sector in Kazakhstan and suggests practical policy interventions, such as tax incentives and better alignment of university research with industry needs.

Perspectives

I was inspired to conduct this research out of a growing concern about the disconnect between Kazakhstan’s academic and business sectors. Speaking with company representatives allowed me to uncover practical challenges they face and how much untapped potential exists in stronger university-industry ties. I hope this work encourages more open dialogue between researchers, educators, and business leaders - not only to address current barriers, but to rethink how knowledge can be co-created in ways that truly serve society.

Dr. Yelena Smirnova
University of Barcelona

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Attitudes of Companies in Kazakhstan Towards Knowledge Collaboration with Universities, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, January 2014, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.12.520.
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