Kazakhstan’s capital has achieved a notable intellectual property milestone after becoming the only Central Asian city named among the finalists for the inaugural World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) City of Innovation Award. WIPO announced the shortlist on September 22, placing Astana alongside major international innovation centres including Shanghai, Moscow and Liverpool.

The recognition highlights how innovation policy is increasingly becoming an IP story. Unlike traditional rankings based solely on historical achievements, WIPO’s programme evaluates cities based on forward-looking commitments and plans for the 12 months ahead, including their alignment with the city’s profile, ambition and credibility.

Astana’s proposal centres on AI-enabled smart city technology, digital public services and sustainability initiatives. The city has already invested in digital infrastructure and developed a technology ecosystem around initiatives such as Astana Hub and Alem.ai.

The nomination also highlights the growing international attention being given to Central Asia’s innovation ecosystem.

A key element of Astana’s strategy is the development of a large-scale smart city platform supported by artificial intelligence and data analytics. The city is also building a technology ecosystem around Astana Hub and the Alem.ai International Artificial Intelligence Center.

One of the most significant commercial projects underpinning those ambitions is a US$190 million, six-year agreement with Presight, aimed at deploying AI across urban infrastructure and public services.

For IP professionals, the story illustrates the growing relationship between innovation policy and IP development. Cities seeking recognition for innovation increasingly emphasize startup formation, technology commercialization, patent generation and innovation-support ecosystems.

The nomination also arrives as WIPO places greater emphasis on local innovation ecosystems and technology-driven economic development. The organization continues to promote the role of intellectual property in supporting entrepreneurship, investment and economic diversification worldwide.

The nomination could encourage policymakers throughout Central Asia to invest more heavily in technology commercialization and IP infrastructure.

Winners will be announced on October 12 at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, but regardless of the final result, Astana’s inclusion among the finalists has already become a notable IP-related story to emerge from Central Asia this year.