Kazakhstan’s Precision AI Development: New Law and Committee
Kazakhstan Introduces Draft Law on Artificial Intelligence Development
The Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry and the Mazhilis, the lower house of the Kazakh Parliament, have collaboratively developed a draft law on artificial intelligence (AI) based on the best world practices. This initiative was discussed at a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov on July 16, as reported by the Prime Minister’s press service.
The draft law aligns with the directive of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has stressed the importance of effectively utilizing AI in various sectors such as security, medicine, banking services, logistics, and education. During the recent Day of Science Workers, President Tokayev emphasized the necessity of comprehensive government support for the development of the AI industry and the establishment of an ecosystem that allows shared access to data and technology infrastructure.
The proposed legislation emphasizes ethical standards and state regulation in AI development. Minister Zhaslan Madiyev highlighted that the draft law includes provisions for adopting ethical standards, state regulation, establishing a legal framework for AI objects, classifying AI objects, and implementing measures for state support and standardization in AI.
In addition to the draft law, the government has also approved a Concept for AI Development for the period of 2024-2029. This concept aims to build an AI ecosystem, create a conducive environment for AI development, and enhance economic sectors through the integration of AI technologies. Plans include the installation of a supercomputer, the establishment of data processing centers, the creation of a National AI platform, and the development of fiber-optic communication networks.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan plans to open the Alem.AI National Center at the Nur-Alem Museum to facilitate collaboration between the government, academia, businesses, and international partners in the field of AI. Economists estimate that the global GDP could increase by 14% by 2030 through the incorporation of AI technologies. Kazakhstan is already taking steps to integrate AI by collecting data from various government agencies through initiatives like Smart Data Ukimet.
Educational programs and initiatives are also in place to enhance human capital in the field of AI. Currently, 17 universities in Kazakhstan offer 15 AI-related fields of study with over 2,000 students enrolled in these disciplines. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education is working on developing a modern large language model (LLM) to preserve and promote cultural and linguistic heritage.
Prime Minister Bektenov highlighted the potential of AI technologies to automate tasks in various sectors and emphasized the need to increase the production of AI products and enhance educational programs to meet the growing demand for qualified specialists in AI. The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry has set ambitious goals for the AI sector until 2029, including training millions of people in AI skills, creating industry specialists, fostering technological innovation, and increasing IT exports.
To drive policy and coordination in AI development, Gizzat Baitursynov has been appointed as Chair of the AI and Innovation Development Committee. This committee, established at the ministry, is responsible for implementing state policies, developing legal regulations for AI technologies, coordinating intersectoral efforts, and overseeing the planning and development of AI in Kazakhstan.
With these strategic initiatives and legislative measures in place, Kazakhstan is gearing up to become a leader in AI development and innovation in the region.
