Abstract
This article examines the role of science in modern society. The main research methods were generalization, systematization and economic and statistical method. The statistical base of the study was the data of the statistics Committee of the Ministry of national economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the period from 2010 to 2018 years. Based on the analysis of research by domestic and foreign authors, it was determined that science and education are the most important factors and priorities for the development of modern society, especially in developed countries. Based on a comparative analysis of R&D financing and assessment of the scientific potential of Kazakhstan, the crisis state of science in Kazakhstan's society is shown. It was revealed that the main causes of the crisis are insufficient funding, the loss of a large number of qualified technical personnel and the lack of necessary interaction between science and production. The results of the study may be of interest to government authorities in the field of science.