Efficiency, KPIs, and the census – a few more words about national projects

Efficiency, KPIs, and the Population Census – A Few More Words on National Projects

On October 13, the President approved 10 national projects for the development of Kazakhstan. These national projects are aimed at fulfilling the National Priorities and the National Development Plan up to 2025.

However, questions regarding the implementation of these national projects arise daily, so we decided to delve into and understand what lies behind them. We have gathered the most key points from Nursultan Serikbay's interview, Director of the Strategic Planning Department at the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms (ASPIR). We highly recommend watching the full interview.

So, let's begin:

National projects have found their place within the National Development Plan. Therefore, they are overseen by several authorities: the Supreme Council for Reforms (chaired by the President, including the Prime Minister), various sectoral ministries, ASPIR, and the Presidential Administration.

For instance, the national project "Technological Leap through Digitalization, Science, and Innovation," which we wrote about previously, is overseen by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry (MDDIAI). ASPIR was specifically responsible for the methodology of developing national projects. In particular, the Agency monitored that national projects align with strategic documents.

Initially, there were more national projects—specifically 25—but to better control each one, their number was reduced. First to 17, and then to 10. It is important to understand that national projects are not sectoral initiatives but nationwide ones. Different sectors were integrated into common areas important to society. This is why multiple ministries may be involved in a single project. For example, the "Healthy Nation" project is not only about health but also encompasses education and technological development.

How was the analysis and determination of KPIs conducted? On what basis were project goals established?

In developing key performance indicators (KPIs), it was important not to simply assign the current functions of ministries and state bodies. Their tasks are separately specified in third-level documents, such as the "Plan for the Development of Central State Bodies."

For national projects, it was crucial to include indicators that positively impact citizens' lives and are understandable and visible to them, rather than just to government bodies. To achieve this, meetings with expert circles were organized. There are six advisory committees that also worked on setting KPIs for the projects. They consisted of members of the National Council of Public Trust and international experts. It can be said that a "holistic" approach was implemented in considering national projects regarding goal-setting and KPI definition.

Why do Kazakhstan's national projects resemble Russia's national programs?

All national projects share similarities. Specifically, Kazakhstan's national projects resemble not only Russian national programs. The government of any country is interested in developing areas such as security, healthcare, education, cultural development, etc. This is an obligation of the country's leadership to its electorate, so these areas will be the focus of any initiative. However, each country has its own specifics. In our case, this includes incorporating sectors where Kazakhstan is strong, or adapting to the global agenda—for example, the "Green Kazakhstan" project, technological development, and achieving carbon neutrality.

Where does the funding for national projects come from? How justified are the specific budget figures?

The main funds are allocated within the republican budget as part of a social contract between the state and society. Social obligations will always be fulfilled first. At the same time, off-budget funds and investment attraction play a huge role. Specifically, the goal is to increase foreign investment inflows to $30 billion by 2025. All funds were calculated by the ministries themselves and the Investment Coordination Council.

Was an efficiency analysis of state programs conducted, and how will the results of this analysis affect the national projects?

In early 2021, an analysis and monitoring of state programs were conducted, identifying positive aspects and shortcomings. Specifically, several main problems were highlighted, which were then addressed during the creation of national projects. First, state programs were sectoral. Second, too many indicators were created. As mentioned above, this resulted in documents being created for ministries to coordinate their work, rather than for the state and society as a whole. Due to the large number of indicators, there was insufficient capacity to implement each one. Finally, there was incomplete financial coverage.

When developing the architecture and methodology of national projects, all these errors were taken into account. For example, out of 239 performance indicators, only 9 mega-indicators were retained, making monitoring significantly easier. Moreover, national projects are no longer created as "sectoral" programs but are specifically aimed at improving citizens' lives and the country's economic condition.

When do the national projects officially start?

The start date for the implementation of national projects is January 1, 2022. Great importance is placed on feedback from the public. Plans included creating constant public access to the implementation of national projects. Establishing checkpoints, building a responsive state, reviewing the national project from the citizens' perspective, etc. It is important to ensure that every person has the opportunity to evaluate the implemented project.

Results will be reviewed monthly at the level of the Prime Minister. Every two weeks, they will be reviewed at the level of curators. Methodologically, it is important to ensure that KPIs are reviewed at all levels of state bodies: Ministry of National Economy – Prime Minister's Office – through the Presidential Administration of the country.

In the Prime Minister's Office, the Agency for Strategic Planning prepares an independent report on the progress of national project implementation.

Why was the population census conducted? Will it affect the implementation of national projects?

The census is necessary because it helps understand the direction in which Kazakhstan is moving. The data will be published in the first half of 2022, but the collected materials already assist in planning. According to preliminary census results, 20% of the population consists of children aged 0 to 9. This indicates the need to build new schools. In which regions are they most needed? The population census will provide answers to this.

Will the need for a census in its current format remain, considering widespread digitalization?

By 2030, the census format where people go door-to-door asking questions will likely become obsolete. The indicator of 42% of people completing the census online is already quite significant (even when comparing with countries like Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Portugal). Nevertheless, the census is necessary for collecting a database of information that will be useful both in the future and for current planning.

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