Abstract
The article reflects the conceptual aspects of the formation and development of the National InnovationSystem (NIS) of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Based on the results of the content analysis, whichincludes the works of foreign scientists and the OECD publications on the innovative system development,the article provides author’s vision of the «national innovation system» and main components ofthe system. The essence of the innovation system is examined within the retrospect and modern conditions.It also assesses set of systemic and integrated measures for the innovative capacity developmentbased on the adopted strategic and program documents within the state planning system of industrialand innovative development issues. Weaknesses of the current innovation policy, that creates barriersfor the effective functioning of the NIS and understates positions of Kazakhstan in international rankingson the competitiveness and innovative potential assessment, are identified. The main prospects for theknowledge-based and innovative economy development of Kazakhstan are determined. Kazakhstaninnovation ecosystem, which includes a set of components (consumer segments, value propositions,promotion channels, relationships between participants, revenue streams, key resources, key activities,key partners and cost structure) necessary to improve the efficiency of the NIS, was visually graphed andpresented via «Canvas» model.Key words: national innovation system, knowledge-based economy, innovation infrastructure, statepolicy.