Abstract
The article examines theoretical and methodological approaches to managing entrepreneurial activity of small business within the context of Kazakhstan's national innovation system. An "institutional-ecosystem synthesis" model is proposed, according to which entrepreneurial performance is shaped by the combined effect of institutional quality, resource accessibility, and the density of cooperative linkages among government, business, universities, infrastructure, and the market. The necessity of transitioning from fragmented support measures to ecosystem-based management focused on reducing transaction costs, expanding financial and human resource capabilities, and accelerating technology transfer is substantiated. A logic for multifactor efficiency assessment based on the integral IEUPA index has been developed, incorporating institutional, resource, behavioral, innovation-dynamic, and ecosystem dimensions. Steps for indicator normalization, weighting, and validation are proposed, along with data source options (official statistics, surveys, expert assessments). The practical significance of the results lies in developing a toolkit for targeted regional and sectoral policies that enhance the innovative productivity of small business and knowledge commercialization. It is demonstrated that imbalances in the institutional environment and weak networks reduce returns on financial incentives; management levers and KPIs aligned with GEM, GII, and OECD approaches are proposed.