Kazakhstan moves regions toward AI-enabled governance

Kazakhstan has approved an updated Smart City / Smart Region methodology. It provides for the use of AI, unmanned aerial vehicles, price-monitoring systems, and other digital solutions in the governance of cities and regions, El.kz reports citing the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.

The document establishes unified requirements for the digital transformation of regions. Instead of separate services developed independently of one another, the authorities intend to establish an integrated system for territorial governance.

The Ministry refers to this approach as AI-Native. This means that artificial intelligence and data analytics are to be used in public-sector decision-making, planning, and forecasting of potential problems.

Regional projects will be implemented in accordance with unified architectural and functional requirements. The Ministry expects this approach to reduce duplication of information systems, ensure interoperability, and lower development and maintenance costs.

The updated methodology covers transport, housing and utilities, public safety, and other municipal services.

The list of mandatory initiatives includes infrastructure for unmanned aerial systems. Drones may be used to monitor territories, facilities, and the condition of infrastructure.

Another area will be intelligent monitoring of prices for socially significant food products. The Ministry has not yet specified how the system will operate or which data sources it will use.

Cities are also expected to install multi-purpose utility poles capable of accommodating lighting, cameras, sensors, communications equipment, and other digital infrastructure.

The methodology provides for monitoring the quality of internet connectivity in schools and other educational institutions. The activities of regional maslikhats are also expected to be transferred to a digital format.

IT centres are to be developed at the district level, while regional technology hubs will be established at the oblast level. They are expected to contribute to workforce development and the deployment of digital solutions at the local level.

A separate section addresses the urban environment. Regions may introduce smart bus stops, digital museums and libraries, virtual tours, as well as automated systems for monitoring the condition of roads.

Data from various municipal services will be transmitted to regional analytical centres and Data Lake repositories. Based on this data, artificial intelligence will be able to identify changes and forecast potential problems.

The Ministry expects regions to gradually move from responding to events after they occur towards preventing accidents, service disruptions, and other adverse situations.

The practical implementation of the methodology will be carried out by the Ministry in cooperation with local executive bodies. Specific timelines for launching individual services in the regions have not yet been announced.