‘It is our responsibility to put ourselves on the global scientific agenda’

Our next NU Step to PhD rubric guest is Bakhytzhan Kurmanov, who has recently successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at the Graduate School of Public Policy. In 2017, Bakhytzhan became one of the first doctoral students of the GSPP. Before entering PhD studies, Bakhytzhan worked in various quasi-state structures within the ministries. He also worked as an intern at the Department of Economic Development in Ontario during his Bolashak training in Canada. In addition, Bakhytzhan worked as a project manager at the United Nations Development Programme. Bakhytzhan believes that scientific research is the way to introduce systemic changes in any area.

What was the topic of your research?

I studied the implementation of the Open Government concept in the Central Asian countries. The main research focus was made on the study of the key motivations that determined and shaped the adaptation of this reform in our region. We have conducted 67 in-depth interviews and several focus groups in all 5 post-Soviet countries. This study has become one of the first interregional systematic studies in this area.

For some reason, serious scientific works on this topic are often published by foreign researchers, and there is very little local research. Therefore, I think that it is necessary to support the academic community of Central Asia not only at the local but also at the global level. It is our responsibility to put ourselves on the global scientific agenda.

By collecting data on open government, I was able to critically analyze the motivations, key themes and obstacles to the implementation of the principles of transparency and accountability of transit regimes in the region. In my dissertation I have developed a number of practical recommendations in the field of public policy in Central Asia and Central Eurasia that can be useful for professionals, experts and local managers.

I have also published articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Europe Asia Studies and Eurasian Geography and Economics; I participated in the NISPACEE conference in Europe, and received a grant from George Washington University to attend the annual conference on Central Eurasian Studies. In addition, I received an invitation to attend the OSCE Summer School in Warsaw on the development of political parties and democratization of the post-Soviet region.

In the process of writing my thesis, I received tremendous support from my scientific advisers: professors Colin Knox and Saltanat Janenova. Their experience and knowledge helped me to successfully defend my dissertation. I would also like to express my gratitude to the entire GSPP School, to my wonderful professors and supportive administrative staff.

Can the conclusions drawn in your work further contribute to the practical implementation of the principles of the Open Government in Kazakhstan?

If we talk about the practical significance of the conclusions made in the dissertation, I could highlight three main points. First, this paper was the first to examine open government reform in Central Asia. The work demonstrated how the transit regimes are adapting this reform, and also showed how the state bodies of different countries of the region react to the activity of citizens on public policy issues.

Secondly, this study brings new knowledge to the understanding of the adaptation of open government reform in transit regimes. My work shows that despite the significant adoption of e-government and open data, countries in our region still have a long way to go to fully implement this concept.

Third, based on this work, I offer a number of practical recommendations for managers and policymakers on how to ensure the implementation of open government. In particular, it is necessary to implement all the components of open government, not limited to the implementation of open data or the implementation of e-government. The government should focus on promoting initiatives aimed at increasing open participation of citizens and collaborating with experts and activists in the development of specific government programmes and projects. In addition, it is advisable to conduct training seminars and other events for citizens and activists aimed at using this data for public monitoring and journalistic investigations of the work of state bodies. The study shows that a certain proportion of civil servants may resist the demands to implement the components of open government. An effective solution to this problem can be the creation of a project office that would deal with the practical issues of implementing this concept.

Can you please tell us about your future plans? 

In the future, I plan to continue research work on open government, open data and the need for citizen participation in decision-making. This is a very urgent problem today, and not only in Kazakhstan. And I consider it important to deepen research in this area, offering new solutions and opportunities for putting into practice the ideas of open government. Along with the continuation of research activities, my plans include teaching at a university. I would like to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge to students. I hope that the skills and knowledge I have acquired will help me inspire them to study  new scientific developments.

 What would you recommend to future doctoral students?

Writing a dissertation is like climbing a mountain. You must be extremely focused and prepared for this. Here, instead of pumped-up muscles, you should have a good methodological base and research skills. But preparedness alone is not enough to overcome a difficult route. Strong willpower and concentration of mind are required. There are many difficult climbs on the way, you will face sleepless nights and severe stress. You will have a thousand dissertation questions that will need to be solved. While you will have the support of friends, family, and professors, it is important to understand that writing a dissertation is your personal journey. And you shouldn’t be afraid of that. If you are prepared physically, mentally and spiritually, then you can always reach the end.

And the most important thing: it is you who has chosen this beautiful mountain and route, so you need to enjoy the process. Therefore, it is very important to choose the research topic that will fascinate you for a very long time. After all, we go to science because we love knowledge. And through this love for science, you can discover some new knowledge and, perhaps, even find a new side of your personality. Therefore, I wish future doctoral students an exciting and successful journey!