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Structural Contrasts and Potential of Complementarity of National Innovation Systems of Russia and Kazakhstan in the Context of EAEU Integration

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  • Nataliya V. Yakovenko

    (Research Institute of Innovative Technologies and the Forestry Complex, Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies Named After G.F. Morozov, 8 Timiryazev Str., 394087 Voronezh, Russia)

  • Zhanar S. Rakhimbekova

    (School of Management and Tourism, Graduate School of Business, Almaty Management University, 227 Rozybakiev Str., 050010 Almaty, Kazakhstan)

  • Natalia A. Azarova

    (Department of Global and National Economy, Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies Named After G.F. Morozov, 8 Timiryazev Str., 394087 Voronezh, Russia)

  • Tatyana B. Klimova

    (Department of International Tourism and Hotel Business, Belgorod National Research University, 85 Pobedy Str., 308015 Belgorod, Russia
    Department of Foreign Languages and Communication Technologies, University of Science and Technology MISIS, 4 Leninsky Ave., 119049 Moscow, Russia)

  • Ainur A. Ashimova

    (Graduate School of Business, Almaty Management University, 227 Rozybakiev Str., 050010 Almaty, Kazakhstan)

  • Marina Ye. Tsoy

    (Marketing and Service Department, Business Faculty, Novosibirsk State Technical University, 20 Karl Marx Ave., 630092 Novosibirsk, Russia)

  • Lyudmila V. Semenova

    (Higher School of Hospitality Educational and Scientific Cluster, Institute of Management and Territorial Development, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 14 A. Nevsky Str., 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia)

  • Zhuldyz M. Yelubayeva

    (Accounting and Finance Department, Almaty Technological University, 100 Tole Bi Str., 050005 Almaty, Kazakhstan)

Abstract

The formation of a unified innovation space is a key challenge for deepening Eurasian integration. This study aims to develop the concept of asymmetric complementarity by investigating how the structural asymmetry between the NIS of Russia and Kazakhstan can be transformed from a source of imbalance into a basis for strategic synergy. Based on a mixed methodology that includes quantitative analysis of data from the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, SWOT analysis, and scenario modeling, two divergent models were identified. Russia’s NIS is defined as “compensatory disbalanced” (strong human capital with weak institutions), while Kazakhstan’s NIS is defined as “institutionally focused with knowledge deficit” (relatively developed institutions with critically low R&D investment). The theoretical contribution of this work lies in developing the concept of asymmetric complementarity, which demonstrates that the identified structural differences create a foundation for synergistic cooperation. The practical conclusions are aimed at transitioning from rule harmonization to network capability integration, including the creation of distributed excellence centers, the development of “soft” type supranational infrastructure, and the implementation of the “innovative accounting” principle.

Suggested Citation

  • Nataliya V. Yakovenko & Zhanar S. Rakhimbekova & Natalia A. Azarova & Tatyana B. Klimova & Ainur A. Ashimova & Marina Ye. Tsoy & Lyudmila V. Semenova & Zhuldyz M. Yelubayeva, 2026. "Structural Contrasts and Potential of Complementarity of National Innovation Systems of Russia and Kazakhstan in the Context of EAEU Integration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-36, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:4:p:1753-:d:1860495
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