OECD

On November 17, 2020, the fourth meeting of the Working Group on Human Capital Development for Digital Technologies Spread was held. This event is part of a series of webinar.organized by the OECD, dedicated to the project "Strategy for Economic Diversification and Competitiveness in Kazakhstan".

To increase productivity and create better modern jobs, it is necessary to understand the process of digital transformation - to create conditions for development of skills in the area of digital technologies for all segments of the population. These issues were discussed at the meeting of the Working Group on Human Capital Development for Digital Technologies Spread. Among other things, the OECD introduced participants to best practices that can help in the implementation of the "Digital Kazakhstan" program, and in particular its "Human Capital Development" direction.

Opening the webinar, William Thompson, Head of the Eurasia Division, Global Relations Secretariat, OECD, noted that the goal of the project is to assist Kazakhstan in developing and implementing policies to strengthen economic diversification. The project focuses on three main areas:  development of human capital for digital technologies spread, attraction of investment in non-mining industries, and improvement of competitiveness of the agri-food sector. This approach involves thorough analytical work and capacity development in individual economic activities in order to identify the main political and economic problems, make recommendations on priority economic policy measures and assist in their implementation. Based on the results of the project analysis, the OECD will prepare a final report with a detailed description of the analysis and recommendations regarding the policy and economy.

Then the Vice-Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ablaikhan Ospanov made a welcoming speech. He noted that the acceleration of digital transformation caused by the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic is fundamentally and irrevocably changing the work of business and government.

Pierre-Eric Trimouillas, OECD Economic Analyst, Eurasia Division, made a report on human capital development for digital technologies spread in Kazakhstan. In general, he outlined the main problems and recommendations in the context of COVID-19 related to digital inequality among people and businesses:

Public policy priorities for reducing digital inequality:

1. Provide access to infrastructure and digital skills for all;
2. Reduce financial burden associated with access to the Internet for certain groups of consumers;
3. Implement targeted measures for vulnerable groups in the context of purchases through delivery services;
4. Ensure the protection and safety of the consumer;
5. Increase the level of digital literacy of the population.

The priorities of the public policy to reduce the digital inequality of companies:

1. Ensure uniform conditions for all companies;
2. Reduce administrative burden through electronic government;
3. Provide regulatory flexibility (for example, contactless payment limits);
4. Promote the digital transformation of companies and the involvement of SMEs (training and retraining, subsidies for remote work).

The final part of the webinar was devoted to a podium discussion, where representatives of the responsible political leadership of Kazakhstan spoke about their success in developing the skills of the population in the area of digital technologies. Participants also discussed current challenges and ways to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus crisis in a number of areas, including education and e-government services. The webinar also provided an opportunity to learn about the best practices of Estonia, which has achieved great success in developing effective and efficient strategies and methods for switching to digital technologies.

For reference: OECD is an international economi.organization of developed countries, established in 1948 and recognizing the principles of representative democracy and free market economy. The goal of the OECD is to implement coordinated policies aimed at ensuring sustainable economic growth and improving the living standards of its member states. 37 countries are members of the OECD. Kazakhstan has been cooperating with the OECD since 2008.