Abstract
This study uses institutional logics theory to explore the dynamics of research commercialisation in Kazakhstan. It offers a novel perspective on the interaction between universities, industry, and the state in a post-Soviet context. While Kazakhstan's policy discourse reflects a shift toward the Triple Helix model, empirical evidence shows a persistence of statist structures, fragmented policies, and institutional misalignments that hinder authentic collaboration. Drawing on 18 qualitative interviews with researchers, technology transfer staff, and industry representatives, the study demonstrates how competing institutional logics, academic, state, market, and managerial, shape actors' expectations, roles, and strategic responses. It finds that universities remain dominated by academic and bureaucratic norms, while industry actors often pursue short-term goals, lacking absorptive capacity and risk appetite. Despite recent reforms promoting industry engagement through increased requirements for co-financing research commercialisation projects, institutional contradictions lead to symbolic compliance rather than effective partnerships. The study also highlights emerging hybrid practices efforts but argues that deeper alignment of logics and systemic support mechanisms is needed for sustainable transformation. • Universities remain guided by academic and managerial priorities. • State policy shifts encourage co-financing and industry partnerships. • Symbolic compliance observed in grant partnerships and reporting. • Hybrid practices emerge balancing science goals with commercial aims. • Bureaucratic processes create barriers despite reform intentions.