Structural Contrasts and Potential of Complementarity of National Innovation Systems of Russia and Kazakhstan in the Context of EAEU Integration
Yakovenko N.V. Rakhimbekova Z.S. Azarova N.A. Klimova T.B. Ashimova A.A. Tsoy M.Y. Semenova L.V. Yelubayeva Z.M.
February 2026Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Sustainability (Switzerland)
2026#18Issue 4
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.
asymmetric complementarity , Eurasian integration , Global Innovation Index (GII) , Kazakhstan , national innovation system , Russia , structural imbalances
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Research Institute of Innovative Technologies and the Forestry Complex, Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies Named After G.F. Morozov, 8 Timiryazev Str., Voronezh, 394087, Russian Federation
School of Management and Tourism, Graduate School of Business, Almaty Management University, 227 Rozybakiev Str., Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
Department of Global and National Economy, Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies Named After G.F. Morozov, 8 Timiryazev Str., Voronezh, 394087, Russian Federation
Department of International Tourism and Hotel Business, Belgorod National Research University, 85 Pobedy Str., Belgorod, 308015, Russian Federation
Department of Foreign Languages and Communication Technologies, University of Science and Technology MISIS, 4 Leninsky Ave., Moscow, 119049, Russian Federation
Graduate School of Business, Almaty Management University, 227 Rozybakiev Str., Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
Marketing and Service Department, Business Faculty, Novosibirsk State Technical University, 20 Karl Marx Ave., Novosibirsk, 630092, Russian Federation
Higher School of Hospitality Educational and Scientific Cluster, Institute of Management and Territorial Development, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 14 A. Nevsky Str., Kaliningrad, 236041, Russian Federation
Accounting and Finance Department, Almaty Technological University, 100 Tole Bi Str., Almaty, 050005, Kazakhstan
Research Institute of Innovative Technologies and the Forestry Complex
School of Management and Tourism
Department of Global and National Economy
Department of International Tourism and Hotel Business
Department of Foreign Languages and Communication Technologies
Graduate School of Business
Marketing and Service Department
Higher School of Hospitality Educational and Scientific Cluster
Accounting and Finance Department
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