Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of the modern world. Its use has moved beyond experiments, turning into a tool for solving business problems and improving efficiency. However, this technological revolution faces a key challenge: preparing professionals capable of realizing AI’s potential. Like many other nations, Kazakhstan must adapt its education programs, business processes, and training systems to meet new demands.
Global Trends: Prioritizing Skills
According to McKinsey’s report, 72% of companies in 2024 have adopted AI technologies. However, these technologies are often limited to small-scale projects. Scaling is constrained by a shortage of qualified professionals. Generative AI requires new skill sets, transforming traditional roles within companies. Interdisciplinary competencies are now more valuable than narrowly defined jobs.
Key areas of change include:
1. Technical skills. Employees must master data analysis, algorithm development, and basic machine learning principles.
2. Management skills. Leaders need to understand AI’s capabilities to craft strategies and oversee its implementation.
3. Analytical skills. Comprehending and leveraging data effectively is critical at all organizational levels.
Kazakhstan: Current Challenges
In Kazakhstan these processes are still in their early stages. Most university education programs do not meet international standards. AI education is limited to a few isolated courses, often disconnected from real business needs. This results in a shortage of skilled professionals. Additionally, the “brain drain” problem further exacerbates the situation, with young specialists leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
Kazakhstan faces the following key challenges:
• Weak collaboration between business and academia. Universities continue to train specialists under outdated curricula, misaligned with market demands.
• Lack of corporate training. Few companies invest in systematic employee development.
• Limited access to modern technology. Many organizations lack the necessary tools to work with AI.
Generative AI and Its Impact on the Labor Market
Generative AI presents new opportunities for companies. According to McKinsey, the main benefits of the technology lie in time savings and cost reduction. For instance, process automation can cut HR and inventory management expenses by 20-30%. However, realizing these benefits requires adequately trained employees.
The most promising areas for AI application include:
• Supply chain optimization. Generative AI helps forecast demand and manage inventories.
• Data analysis. The technology accelerates the processing of large data sets, simplifying decision-making.
• HR process automation. Algorithms can significantly speed up recruitment and employee training.
For Kazakhstan, these solutions could be transformative. However, the country must address issues related to outdated infrastructure and low digital literacy levels.
Recommendations: What Should Kazakhstan Do?
Based on international experience and the current situation, three key directions can be identified:
1. Modernizing education programs. Kazakhstan’s universities need to revise their approaches to training specialists. Introducing courses on machine learning, data analysis, and programming basics is critical. Practical projects should also be integrated into curricula to ensure students can apply their knowledge.
2. Strengthening business-academia collaboration.Companies can become key partners in educating students. Initiatives like internships, joint research projects, and co-developed programs can help prepare market-ready professionals.
3. Developing corporate training. AI-driven corporate training platforms can help employees quickly adapt to changes. Such platforms offer personalized learning, allowing individuals to acquire skills relevant to their specific roles.
International Experience and Examples
McKinsey’s report highlights examples of companies that have succeeded by strategically adopting AI. For instance, implementing flexible learning systems reduced onboarding time for new employees by 50%. Kazakhstan could leverage this experience by creating a national platform for digital skills training.
Another example involves automating HR processes. In some companies, this reduced recruitment times by 30%. Kazakhstan’s businesses could adopt similar solutions to improve their operational efficiency.
Generative AI is not just a technological innovation; it is a tool capable of transforming the economy. For Kazakhstan, developing human capital is the cornerstone of successfully integrating into the global digital economy. Success will depend on how quickly the country adapts its education and corporate systems to meet these new demands. After all, people are the primary resource that determines how effectively any technology is utilized.
Source: McKinsey, “The Future of Technology 2024”.
Prepared by: Lina Yegil kizi, expert of the Economy KZ portal
