Researchers note the importance of open dialogue. In this regard, not only speakers and observers, but also other analysts and experts in various fields were invited to the conference.

Back in 2019, the Institute for World Economy and Politics (IWEP) under the Foundation of the First President with the participation of a group of experts, the Center for Research and Consulting (CRC), the Center for Applied Research "TALAP" and the division of Whiteshield Partners for the Eurasian region began a series of comprehensive analytical studies on the modernization of the country, reports Caravan.kz media portal.

Anthony O'Sullivan, Partner and Director of Whiteshield Partners, Professor at the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Grande école Sciences Po), Erik Berglof, Director of Whiteshield Partners and former Chief Economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Fadi Farrah, Founder and Partner of Whiteshield Partners, and many others also provided methodological support for the serious study.

Over the six months, experts have been working seriously on several directions: the labour market, the new economic model and growth points, spatial development, public administration, citizen-state interaction, and the macroeconomic environment, the main of which has become human capital.

- Today, global and local problems are intertwined. Under these conditions, the response to the challenges and the key to the success of the state is the development of the main wealth - the human being,  the experts note, referring to the Message of Elbasy 2018, where the First President drew attention to the fact that the main priority is to increase the welfare of Kazakhstanis.

Prior to the presentation, the experts noted that the study and its subsequent presentation are non-regulatory and are not an alternative to current programs.

During the conference, five books were announced, in which the research was placed.

The first book is devoted to the macroeconomic sphere of Kazakhstan. It discusses the new model of the National Fund, issues of budget sustainability, bringing the economy out of the "shadow", tax reform, issues of improving the efficiency and transparency of the management of state social assets, strengthening banking stability, and others.

The second book describes the possible contours of public administration reform. It provides recommendations for developing state policies aimed at improving the welfare of citizens, regulation the functions of the public sector, improving budget performance, developing civic engagement in the regions and strengthening local communities.

The third book is about the development of human capital. Researchers give their views on the issue of barriers that prevent the country from entering the "top thirty", and recommendations which describe systemic initiatives. The study showed how heterogeneous the country's human capital is, and any policy directions to improve its quality should differ in space both by region and by group in terms of the structure of employment, income, and so on. 

The fourth book is on recommendations for new economic incentives. Experts are considering ways and measures to diversify the economy by strengthening the development of the manufacturing industry, transition to an intensive model of the agro-industrial complex, establishing creative industries and innovations, improving business institutions, including ensuring a healthy competitive environment.

The fifth book examines the issues of spatial development and improving the effectiveness of regional development policies.

The main position of experts was traced from the first frames of the presentation: "People first."

One of the speakers was the Head of the Center for Competitiveness of the "Astana" ISC Anuar Buranbayev. Briefly recalling the periods of modernization of Kazakhstan since the Foundation of the Republic, he drew attention to the most important driver of the country's development – "human capital", namely, knowledge, skills and other qualities that contribute to the personal, social and economic well-being of citizens.

Mr. Buranbayev noted that his research is mostly focused on the soft skills of a people.

- What does soft skills mean? This is the ability to respect other people's opinions, creativity, ability to work in a team, critical thinking, communication skills, - explains Anuar Buranbayev.

The development of soft skills among the population of the Republic of Kazakhstan should teach citizens to successfully convert their knowledge into skills.  According to the expert, one of the main reasons for the weak development of entrepreneurship in the country is the inability to apply their knowledge in practice.

The next important case of the conference was the vision of social and economic development in the country. The speaker was Kanysh Tuleushin, Partner of Whiteshield Partners.

He noted the positive dynamics of economic growth in the country since independence, outlined key achievements and presented recommendations for the strategic vision of Kazakhstan for the next 5 years.

One of the key areas noted was the professional and competent state apparatus, where it is necessary to transparently select competent personnel and pay for work based on the results.

The development of sustainable economic growth, the formation of an accountable state and the development of strong business in the country are also important factors.

Mr. Tuleushin noted many risks that have become possible in achieving the necessary results.

The first online conference of experts became a "teaser" for the audience, and the moderators announced the schedule of the next conferences, where the speakers will elaborate on the results of their research.

The next step will be a public discussion, to which the moderators invite researchers, experts working in research centers and the corporate sector both in Kazakhstan and abroad to join.