The Supreme Audit Chamber (SAC) has released the results of a state audit on the use of budget funds for the development of science. The audit showed that despite an increase in funding to 219 billion tenge, the share of spending on research and development (R&D) remains below target indicators, and the integration of scientific developments into the economy is insufficiently active.
According to the press service of the agency, the key goals of state policy, as set out in strategic documents, were not fully reflected in the development plan of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The lack of interaction between the Science Committee and sectoral state bodies creates risks for the quality implementation of projects.
In the work of the national scientific councils, factors requiring adjustment were also identified. Cases were recorded where some council members simultaneously participated in several funded projects, which created a conflict of interest.
"At the same time, no responsibility has been established for members of scientific councils regarding decisions made without considering expert opinions, approval of projects with violations, or the termination of funding for projects they had previously approved," the statement said.
Significant delays in holding competitions for scientific projects — by more than 500 days — as well as numerous violations of the deadlines for scientific and technical expert reviews were noted. Project monitoring did not ensure sufficient control: even in the presence of comments and deviations, many projects received continued funding.
Deficiencies were also identified in the projects of the Science Fund: 42 completed projects failed to meet planned sales targets, and for 8 projects, no products were manufactured at all. In engineering centres and university technology parks, instances of misuse of funds and inflated procurement costs were established.
Overall, the results of the state audit revealed: financial violations amounting to 1.7 billion tenge, inefficient planning of funds totalling 24.2 billion tenge, and inefficient use of 42.5 billion tenge.
Regarding certain cases, the SAC will send materials to law enforcement agencies. Recommendations and instructions have been sent to the government, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and relevant departments to address the violations and prevent systemic risks.