Research and development (R&D) are inherently dependent on public investment as they are capital intensive with long-time horizons and uncertain outcomes. Although private investment is typically prevalent in more applied R&D, which becomes an important driver of innovation, this is not yet the case in Kazakhstan. There is, therefore, a challenge to create incentives for private investments in R&D. Benefits could also be reaped from a systematic effort to adapt technologies developed elsewhere to local conditions, complemented by targeted R&D activities that address needs specific to Kazakhstan. An extension system is just beginning to develop in Kazakhstan. Well-coordinated education, R&D, and extension systems can contribute to strong productivity growth and the widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices. There is an additional rationale in Kazakhstan for a strong extension system in that, as a result of the transition period, several key commodity sectors in Kazakhstan are dominated today by either household producers or recent individual farmers.