Institutional foundations and practices of grant project management in Kazakhstani universities

The aim of this article is to identify and analyze the key problems in grant project management in universities in Kazakhstan, as well as to develop practical recommendations for improving their efficiency, effectiveness, and commercialization of scientific research. Grant funding is a crucial instrument of state support for science; however, its use is accompanied by a number of institutional and organizational challenges. A literature review was conducted, encompassing modern concepts of project management, technology transfer, and academic entrepreneurship, as well as an analysis of both international and domestic experiences. Particular attention was given to comparing the practices of foreign universities with the situation in Kazakhstan, where organizational structures remain fragmented, coordination between departments is weak, integration between science and business is insufficient, and business involvement in the innovation sector is limited. Differences were identified in project management training and the development level of research support infrastructure, including technology transfer centers and incubator platforms. The empirical part is based on a mixed-methods approach: surveys (80 respondents) and interviews (15 managers). Only 22% reported having a clear project management structure, more than 60% indicated insufficient awareness regarding commercialization issues, and nearly half expressed doubts about the effectiveness of motivation systems. Among researchers, there is a predominant focus on academic outcomes (publications, reports), while attention to implementation and market realization is limited. The results confirm the need for an integrated grant management model: establishing project offices within universities, implementing digital platforms to support research, improving regulatory frameworks, and developing a motivation system oriented toward practical application of results. Additionally, it is recommended to enhance networked collaboration between universities and businesses, encourage researcher participation in international consortia, and create mechanisms for long-term monitoring of grant projects. The proposed measures will help increase the commercialization of scientific research and the international competitiveness of the national scientific system.

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