Dinara Tugelbekovna Kasymova
Head of the Department of Computer Science, Associate Professor, PhD
Today, October 28, 2026, I examined the core directives outlined in the State-of-the-Nation Address by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The sections dedicated to digitalization, artificial intelligence integration, and the establishment of a modern digital economy were of paramount significance to my professional domain.
I believe one of the most critical insights of the Address is that digitalization must not be reduced to purchasing expensive software without a clear understanding of its practical value. I fully endorse this principle. In my view, digital transformation should be evaluated not by the number of implemented IT systems or allocated budgets, but by tangible real-world outcomes experienced by citizens, entrepreneurs, and society as a whole.
Today, Kazakhstan is systematically expanding its technological infrastructure. The country currently operates two supercomputers, with a third scheduled for launch by the end of the year. Data transmission and processing infrastructure continues to evolve, creating new pathways for deploying artificial intelligence across economic sectors. While these advancements open substantial opportunities, I am convinced the primary objective lies not merely in constructing modern digital infrastructure, but in leveraging it effectively for the nation and its citizens.
The concept of developing an inclusive “people-centric digital economy” is particularly aligned with our educational mission. Digital tools must become accessible instruments for scaling small and medium-sized enterprises, boosting labor productivity, generating new employment opportunities, and broadening economic access. Furthermore, digitalization remains vital for public administration: modern tools must eliminate bureaucratic red tape, enhance decision-making transparency, optimize budgetary efficiency, and elevate public service quality. Concurrently, artificial intelligence must be viewed not only as an engineering achievement, but as a critical catalyst for developing human capital, scientific research, higher education, and next-generation engineering talent.
I am firmly convinced that genuine digitalization begins where technology resolves real human challenges. When an entrepreneur spends less time on administrative hurdles, when a citizen receives essential services swiftly and seamlessly, when youth gain platforms to realize their technical innovations, and when domestic businesses grow more globally competitive—that is precisely when digital transformation acquires true meaning.
At the same time, every large-scale digital project must be accompanied by explicit key performance indicators (KPIs), public accountability, and measurable results. The future of a digital Kazakhstan is defined not by the volume of acquired software, but by the concrete value delivered to our people and the national economy.
In my perspective, this pragmatic, outcome-oriented framework must serve as the foundation for Kazakhstan’s ongoing technological modernization. A strong Kazakhstan relies not only on cutting-edge technology, but fundamentally on educated professionals, robust institutions, and real opportunities for individual advancement.
