Economic efficiency in grant funding evaluations: streamlining knowledge-intensive applications in Kazakhstan

Economic Annals-XXI: Volume 201, Issue (1-2), Pages: 73-83

Citation information:
Zhumashov, Ye., Azambayev, S., Bisenbaev, A., Yessenzharov, A., & Bulatbayeva, K. (2023). Economic efficiency in grant funding evaluations: streamlining knowledge-intensive applications in Kazakhstan. Economic Annals-XXI, 201(1-2), 73-83. doi: https://doi.org/10.21003/ea.V201-07

Yerkebulan Zhumashov
PhD (Engineering),
Assistant Professor,
Altynsarin National Academy of Education
4 Orynbor Str., Altyn Orda Business Center, 14^th-16^th floor, Astana, 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan
erkebulanzhumashov@gmail.com
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4653-8060

Serik Azambayev
PhD (Engineering),
Leading Researcher,
Altynsarin National Academy of Education
4 Orynbor Str., Altyn Orda Business Center, 14^th-16^th floor, Astana, 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan
mr.azambaev@mail.ru
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0252-7217

Adilbek Bisenbaev
PhD (Physics),
Leading Researcher,
Altynsarin National Academy of Education
4 Orynbor Str., Altyn Orda Business Center, 14^th-16^th floor, Astana, 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan
eldarknar@gmail.com
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7490-8375

Assyl Yessenzharov
MA (Economics),
Vice-chair,
Board of Finance, Administrative and Personal Matters,
National Center for Advanced Training «Orleu»
86 Turgenev Str., Aktobe, 030017, Republic of Kazakhstan
asyl-m@mail.ru
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8591-0806

Kulzhanat Bulatbayeva
D.Sc. (Pedagogy),
Chief Researcher,
Professor,
Altynsarin National Academy of Education
4 Orynbor Str., Altyn Orda Business Center, 14^th-16^th floor, Astana, 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan
kulzhanat.bulatbayeva@mail.ru
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7288-8120

Economic efficiency in grant funding evaluations: streamlining knowledge-intensive applications in Kazakhstan

Abstract. The study proposes an evolution of the grant evaluation system from a dual focus on «form and content» to a «content-centric» model to enhance the efficacy and quality of scientific research. This novel approach, intended for incorporation into Kazakhstan’s grant framework, involves a two-tiered examination process – an initial assessment by the National Center for State Scientific and Technical Expertise (NCSTE) followed by a secondary review by the National Scientific Councils (NSC).

The rationale behind this shift away from an overemphasis on quantitative and qualitative project details towards a qualitative, semantic, conceptual, and methodological representation is rooted in the constraints of NCSTE/NSC resources and other pertinent factors.

We have adopted and tailored the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), and Capability Readiness Level (CRL) scaling methodologies for R&D and RNTD activities by devising a novel Scientific Readiness Levels (SRL) methodology. This has resulted in the compilation of SRL scales for fundamental (FRL), applied (ARL), and innovative projects (IRL), bringing economic efficiency to the grant funding evaluation process.

Keywords: Expertise; Grant; Funding; NCSTE; NSC; Readiness Scale; Paradigm; Technology Readiness Level; Innovative Projects; Synectic Approach

JEL Classіfіcatіon: H81; O38; P35; D61; D73

Acknowledgements and Funding: This article was prepared within the Programme Trust Fund Study: OR 11465474 «Scientific foundations of modernization of the education system and science» (2021-2023, Altynsarin National Academy of Education).

Contribution: The authors contributed equally to this work.

Data Availability Statement: The dataset is available from the authors upon request.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21003/ea.V201-07

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Received 10.07.2022
Received in revised form 22.08.2022
Accepted 26.08.2022
Available online 28.02.2023