Abstract
Abstract As soon as the economy of Kazakhstan is highly resource‐oriented despite numerous efforts to change the structure of the national economy, constant assessment of the scientific and innovation sphere of the country is actual and important. By way of qualitative, quantitative, comparative, and descriptive analysis 13 indicators related to science and innovations were investigated to define the level of scientific and innovative development in Kazakhstan. Science and innovation in Kazakhstan are under‐financed and state‐based financing of innovative activities seems to be ineffective, and the innovations are still unprofitable. The scientific human capital is affected by “brain drain,” when best graduates go into business or leave the country to build careers in better financial conditions. Eight indicators are found to be universal and comparable for various countries, and can be applied with the purpose of defining the level of scientific and innovative development of a country or countries. The results of the study can be applied by governmental officials for developing policies related to science and innovations. The methods, set of indicators, and findings of the study can be used by other researchers for investigating and comparing the level(s) of scientific and innovative development in other country or countries.