Results

The problems of assessing the efficiency of scientific studies and development were found. Various approaches to methods for assessing the efficiency of scientific studies were determined. Models for assessing scientific studies in foreign countries were studied. It is found that in foreign countries, the main focus in the assessment of research is related to risk management, so that funding is distributed among competent and productive scientists. To evaluate humanitarian scientific studies, the approach “Impact pathways” is proposed. The analysis and generalization of foreign practice of assessing the efficiency of scientific studies is given. 2 articles were published at international scientific and practical conferences.

A retrospective analysis of science funding in Kazakhstan from 2005 to 2023 was performed. The results were published in the journal recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (CQASHE) (Bulletin of Eurasian National University named after Gumilev, Economic Series, 2025).

A retrospective analysis of changes in the regulatory legal acts on the requirements for scientific publications included in the international databases Scopus and WoS for the publication of the results of scientific studies by Kazakhstani authors was performed. Based on the results, an article was published in the journal recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (CQASHE) (Bulletin of KazNU. Law Series, 2024).

The analysis of the development of the scientific potential of Kazakhstan based on the spatial approach is performed. Based on the results, an article was published in the journal recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (CQASHE) (Statistics, Accounting and Audit, 2024).

A retrospective analysis of the development of the scientific potential of Kazakhstan was performed based on the publication activity of scientists in the Scopus and Web of Science citation indexes, as well as in the InCites and SciVal databases for 2011-2023. A significant increase in the publication activity of Kazakh authors in publications included in the Scopus and Web of Science databases was found, including an increase in the indicator of international cooperation, citation of articles. Negative trends are observed (growth of publications in “predatory” journals, purchased co-authorship, cooperation with intermediary organizations that provide services for the publication of articles on a paid basis). The analysis showed that an increase in state funding for science leads to an increase in the number of articles in international databases. That is, there is a bias towards assessing the efficiency of scientists’ activities based on publication activity and bibliometrics. Thus, there is a bias towards quantitative indicators of scientists’ assessment, whereas, in our opinion, a more balanced approach should be applied.

In order to find out the opinion of experts on the problems and trends in the development of science in Kazakhstan, an expert interview was conducted with 20 stakeholders of scientific projects. Based on the results, an article was published in the journal recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (CQASHE) (Statistics, Accounting and Audit, 2024).

The perception of the criteria for assessing scientific activity by researchers by means of a survey is studied. The criteria for assessing scientific activity are grouped into 6 blocks (Research Work, Advanced Training, Implementation of Research Results, Scientific, Organizational and Social Work, Personnel Training and Publication). An expert survey of 224 persons showed that the survey participants most highly appreciated the importance of such types of scientific activities as: Advanced training, Personnel training, Research work. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed significant correlations between the research work and all other species. It is found that: persons engaged in scientific studies are also active in scientific and organizational activities; persons engaged in research have a higher publication yield; persons engaged in scientific and organizational work also actively publish their research; those who implement the results of their research also publish their findings; persons focused on implementing research results are involved in professional growth; professional development efforts are associated with a higher level of publications; those involved in training are also active in publications; The more research is implemented, the more likely it is to be published. It was also found that women showed higher average scores than men in all measured activities, which indicates greater involvement in scientific studies, organizational work, implementation of research results, professional development, staff training and publication activities.

The factors of the formation and development of a scientific career in the Republic of Kazakhstan are studied by conducting a survey of scientists. 288 persons were interviewed. It is found that the factors influencing the choice of a scientific career by respondents show changing motives over time. Internal interests, such as a long-standing passion for science from school or university and established academic foundations, invariably have a strong influence at all stages of a career. However, the importance of external factors such as high salaries and career opportunities is gradually increasing, reflecting a shift towards more practical considerations as respondents move up the career ladder. Besides, environmental influences, including the influence of social circles and the flexibility of a scientific career for family life, become more significant over time. Notably, chance or happy accident plays a minor but variable role, indicating that some aspects of career choices may be shaped by unexpected factors. Overall, while the underlying motivations remain stable, the growing emphasis on professional growth and external influences suggests a dynamic interaction between personal aspiration and career development in the scientific field. This strongly demonstrates path dependency and commitment to the chosen career path and interest in developing in a particular field. The results obtained confirm that a scientific career in Kazakhstan is formed according to the principle of the path dependence: early decisions, social environment and mentoring create a sustainable system in which subsequent opportunities for career maneuver are limited. To overcome this effect, targeted measures are needed to internationalize the early stages of a career, support mobility, and create alternative career tracks outside the traditional academic environment. The results of the study were published in a journal recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (CQASHE) (Buketov Business Review, 2025). A website with the results of research was done http://sciencemetrics.kz

The current contours of R&D assessment in the Republic of Kazakhstan at the planning, execution and completion stages are analyzed, key vulnerabilities are recorded – duplication of functions, the role of the “human factor” and limited transparency. The concept of proactive assessment of scientific personnel is proposed with a departure from the dominance of “bare” metrics to a combination of qualitative and quantitative criteria, focused on strategic planning, data openness, ethics, individualization and digitalization. Based on the research conducted to assess the perception of scientific activity evaluation criteria in Section 2.4, a Methodology for Evaluating Scientific Staff was developed, founded on the principles of proactive assessment (Responsible Research Assessment). The evaluation criteria were tested and validated at the Institute of Economics. Applied measures are formulated to unify the SSTE/NSC methodologies, increase transparency, introduce digital tools and artificial intelligence technologies, as well as provide recommendations for a balanced assessment of research and institutionalization mechanisms (tools, updating of regulatory legal acts).