Over the past decade, the cluster approach, particularly its use as a tool for regulating socio-economic development, has been actively studied and discussed by researchers from various scientific fields.
The term “cluster” is borrowed from the English language and translates as “grow together.” Global experience demonstrates the advantages of clustering over other forms of economic interaction among participants in the regional economy, driven by the dynamism of this process. In a world of intense competition, the significance of clusters is steadily increasing, as the key conditions for success are synergetic interaction between different industries and scientific cooperation.
The scientific potential of the Republic of Kazakhstan includes state and private research institutes, scientific centers, laboratories, as well as small and medium-sized institutions also engaged in scientific research. However, to enhance competitiveness in the field of science, particular attention should be paid to the creation of a scientific cluster that can contribute to improving production efficiency, easing access to resources, information, and technologies, stimulating the generation of new knowledge, and facilitating the commercialization of innovations. The weak connection between science, business, and production, which fails to address the changing needs of production, is due to interdepartmental barriers between organizations, as well as excessive administration of the scientific process, a lack of economic incentives for businesses to invest in scientific projects and innovation activities. This leads to the country falling behind global science and the global economy as a whole. In this context, the need to unite research institutes, scientific centers, universities, business corporations, etc., all functionally interconnected in the field of scientific production, is a highly relevant topic.
Supporting domestic scientists and promoting the development of science is one of the key tasks set by the leadership of Kazakhstan. To increase the scientific and production potential in the biopharmaceutical industry, on the instruction of the Head of State, the joint-stock company “National Holding “QazBioPharm” was created on December 20, 2021, with the transfer of eight scientific and production organizations under its management.
The creation of a scientific cluster for studying particularly dangerous diseases is driven by the current era and the threats to biological security faced by both Kazakhstan and other countries. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kazakhstan did not have clear legislative regulation for the work of government agencies in ensuring biological safety. The spread of COVID-19 directly or indirectly paralyzed the work of most ministries due to border closures, cessation of imported product supplies, restrictions on air travel, and the illness of employees and specialists. The pandemic highlighted how a country’s lack of preparedness for biological threats and the absence of clear actions during their spread can negatively impact the containment of infections.
The creation of a unified structure will enable coordination of scientific research, determining task lists. Additionally, the collaboration of scientists from various subordinate organizations will enhance the ongoing research efforts. All of the above will allow for a rapid response to emerging biological threats: assessing the risks, developing diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic solutions.
In addition to the collaboration of scientists, interaction between departments and organizations is necessary to ensure biological security. According to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 122-VII ZRK dated May 21, 2022, “On Biological Safety of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” state regulation in the field of biological security is defined. Biological safety is ensured by 13 state bodies within the framework of the legislative competence established by the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The main role of the scientific cluster is to create a unified information space for the distribution of innovative products (immunobiological drugs, diagnostic test systems, and medicines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of particularly dangerous diseases in humans and animals), knowledge, and new technologies, which will enable rapid and adequate responses to changes in both external and internal environments by the participants and consumers of the cluster.
The functioning of the scientific cluster is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the national and industry economy through the synergetic effect, improve the effectiveness of partnerships between the government and science, and expand the range of products produced, thereby meeting the needs of the state and businesses.

Author: Nurgul Sabezhhanovna Sikhaeva