The launch marks an important milestone in strengthening the region's scientific and technological ecosystem and enhancing cooperation between academia, education, industry, and government.
The opening ceremony was accompanied by a foresight session, during which participants discussed the scientific and technological priorities of the Kostanay Region and explored opportunities for the development of applied research.
The new center is designed to bring together researchers, industry representatives, businesses, and public authorities to address key regional challenges, foster innovation, and facilitate the adoption of advanced technologies across various sectors of the economy.
The event was attended by Elena Shevchenko, Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Nazarbek Konkabayev, Head of the Kostanay Region Department of Entrepreneurship and Industrial-Innovative Development; and Seitbek Kuanyshbayev, Rector of Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University.
During the plenary session, Elena Shevchenko presented the country's new model for managing scientific and technological development, outlined mechanisms for grant funding of research projects, explained the principles of formulating scientific and technical priorities, and highlighted the role of regional foresight centers.
She emphasized that modern science must be focused on addressing practical technological challenges and meeting the development needs of individual regions.
“The primary objective of a foresight center is to enhance the competitiveness of both the region and its enterprises. At the same time, it is essential to consider not only industrial development but also social priorities, including environmental sustainability, public health, and other strategically important areas.”
The foresight session attracted considerable interest from participants, who discussed promising directions for the future development of science and technology.
Representatives of industrial enterprises and the research community presented projects aimed at improving the efficiency of mining operations, enhancing quarry safety, advancing carbon farming practices, developing innovative products for the agro-industrial sector, and commercializing scientific research.
Researchers from Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University also presented their latest scientific initiatives.
Particular attention was given to projects focused on establishing a Regional Center of Academic, Research and Technological Excellence as a platform for the commercialization of research outcomes, as well as studies dedicated to sustainable agriculture.
The presentations highlighted the university's strong research capacity and its active contribution to addressing the strategic development priorities of the Kostanay Region.
Rector Seitbek Kuanyshbayev emphasized the importance of close collaboration between universities, industry, and government.
“Today, universities have a broader mission than ever before. We must not only implement research projects but also play an active role in shaping the scientific and technological policy of the region. It is a great honor for our university to contribute to this important process.”
The establishment of the Regional Foresight Center at Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University represents a significant achievement for the region's scientific community. The Center will serve as a platform where innovative ideas are transformed into practical solutions for industry, agriculture, and other sectors of the economy, while further strengthening the university's position as one of Kazakhstan's leading centers for research, innovation, and higher education.
