Dr. Miras Daulenov, President of Coventry University Kazakhstan, has published an op-ed on The PIE News platform outlining Kazakhstan’s strategic ambitions in the fields of education and innovation.
The author referenced President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s description of Kazakhstan as a "nation of winners," a statement made during the August conference in Astana. According to Dr. Daulenov, this vision reflects an increasing national conviction: the country's future is predicated on the cultivation of talent, the advancement of the educational system, and the commercialization of knowledge into innovation. These objectives are formally enshrined in the new Constitution adopted in March 2026.
Dr Miras Daulenov noted that Kazakhstan is home to over seven million children; combined with the youth demographic, they account for nearly half of the total population. This year, Kazakhstani students participated in 44 international Olympiads, securing more than a thousand medals, including over 200 gold awards.
A significant portion of the article focuses on the internationalization of higher education. Currently, Kazakhstan hosts over 35,000 international students from 88 countries, and the government intends to increase this figure to 100,000 within the next five years. Dr. Daulenov highlighted more than 40 active partnerships with foreign higher education institutions (HEIs) and the growing number of international branch campuses, including Coventry University’s own campus in Astana.
The article also places substantial emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The author argues that the strategic focus is not merely on AI technology itself, but on the emerging professions and competencies it demands—ranging from data science specialists to technology ethics experts. Citing the World Economic Forum, Dr. Daulenov underscored that as technology becomes more sophisticated, the value of uniquely human attributes—such as critical thinking, creativity, and empathy—continues to rise.
The concluding section addresses the evolution of universities. The Rector posits that it is no longer sufficient for institutions to simply "offer an AI course." Instead, technology must be integrated into the entire pedagogical framework, and universities must foster closer alignment with industry and the labor market. The author believes that Kazakhstan, positioned at the intersection of East and West, is well-placed to emerge as a preeminent international hub for talent.
