On April 16, 2026, a roundtable discussion titled “The Ecosystem of Creative Industries in Kazakhstan: The Role of SMEs, Institutional Barriers, and Growth Points” was held in the conference hall of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography as part of Science Week – 2026.

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Zhanna Tolysbayeva, Doctor of Philosophy and Professor, Director for Research and Strategic Development at the Academy. She emphasized the importance of a comprehensive study of creative industries as one of the key направления of modern scientific and economic development.

The roundtable brought together researchers, representatives of the expert community, and practitioners from the creative sector. The program included presentations addressing both theoretical aspects and applied issues in the development of the industry.

The following reports were presented during the session:

• Almira Kulmaganbetova (PhD, Senior Lecturer at the Academy) – on the implementation of a research project examining the impact of SMEs on the development of creative industries in Kazakhstan;
• Shakharbanu Zhakupova (Doctor of Economics, Professor, Institute for Economic Research) – on the development of the investment ecosystem of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the current stage;
• Aigul Zhumatayeva (Associate Professor at the Academy) – on international experience of creative industries in the context of the transition “from art to business”;
• Zhanat Babazhanova (Professor at the Academy) – on mechanisms of interaction between creative industries and SMEs;
• David Tuganov (President of the Kazakhstan Alliance of Creative Industries) – with a report on the systemic analysis of Kazakhstan’s creative industries and the 2026 research cycle.

A separate segment of the event was devoted to the presentation of a scientific monograph and учебные publications prepared within the framework of ongoing research.

During the discussion, participants noted the steady growth of the creative sector in Kazakhstan, highlighting the key role of small and medium-sized businesses in its development. At the same time, several institutional barriers were identified, including the need to develop infrastructure, improve financing mechanisms, and establish a unified methodology for assessing the contribution of creative industries to the economy.

Special attention was given to the development of producing competencies, expanding opportunities for domestic monetization, and addressing the issue of talent and creative capital outflow abroad.

The event concluded with a “free microphone” session, during which participants exchanged views and formulated practical recommendations for the further development of Kazakhstan’s creative industries.