+7 (777) 001 44 99
Қазақша
Русский
English
Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called large-scale digitalization and the adoption of artificial intelligence a matter of national survival, speaking at a meeting of the National Council for Science and Technology, Akorda reported.
Tokayev stressed that his recent State of the Nation Address was centered on the modernization of Kazakhstan’s economy through digital transformation.
“This task fully applies to science, particularly the nuclear sector. Digital solutions allow effective management of the entire life cycle of nuclear facilities. They reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance safety. Artificial intelligence multiplies these opportunities,” he said.
The president emphasized that the developed world is undergoing a profound restructuring based on a new technological order. He drew a historical parallel with China, which dominated the global economy in the 15th–16th centuries but fell behind after missing the Industrial Revolution.
“Modern China drew lessons from history and prioritized science, high technology and AI — the results are evident,” Tokayev noted.
He underlined that for Kazakhstan, comprehensive digitalization and widespread AI adoption represent a national strategy:
“The future of our country and its place among leading nations depends on it. Digitalization will improve the quality of life, lay a foundation for sustainable scientific and technological progress, and strengthen Kazakhstan’s independence. Falling behind would leave us vulnerable and dependent on external forces. This is not about competition — it is about survival.”
Tokayev acknowledged that while young people strongly support this policy, skepticism remains among parts of society. Still, he insisted the country has no alternative.
Earlier, on September 8, Tokayev urged Parliament to accelerate the adoption of a Digital Code. On September 18, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry was restructured into the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.
