Interview with Ilya Belyakov, CTO of INTEGRA CITY
The Digital Transformation Concept for 2024–2028 is intended to reshape public administration and make digital technologies an integral part of citizens’ daily lives. Artificial intelligence plays a key role in achieving these objectives and is rapidly becoming one of the primary drivers of digital transformation worldwide.
In this interview, Ilya Belyakov, Chief Technology Officer of INTEGRA CITY, shares his views on AI adoption, smart city development, digital government services, and the creation of a national innovation ecosystem.
Photo: Ilya Belyakov, Chief Technical Officer of INTEGRA CITY.
Q: Today, artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economies and public administration around the world. For Kyrgyzstan, is AI a choice or already a necessity?
A: It is undoubtedly a necessity. Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key drivers of economic growth and national competitiveness. Central Asia is moving rapidly toward digital transformation, and Kyrgyzstan has shown a strong interest in AI technologies. AI is no longer just a technological tool—it is increasingly becoming part of public administration and an element of digital sovereignty.
The country has already established a National Council on Artificial Intelligence and is considering the creation of an AI supercluster. Alongside adopting existing technologies, the next major challenges will be developing local expertise, training specialists, and building a national AI ecosystem.
Q: Which sectors are likely to benefit most from AI in the coming years?
A: Public administration is currently showing the greatest interest in AI. Kyrgyzstan has already built a strong foundation through the Tunduk interagency platform and G-Cloud government cloud solutions. AI can help move governance from a reactive model to a proactive one based on data analysis and forecasting.
Another important area is the Safe Country initiative, where video analytics and computer vision technologies support traffic management, public safety, and rapid incident response. AI also has significant potential in customs, taxation, healthcare, education, and virtually every sector of the economy.
Photo: Bishkek city.
Q: Many countries are moving toward fully integrated digital ecosystems. How relevant is this approach for Kyrgyzstan?
A: It is not only relevant—it is essential. Separate digital solutions automate individual processes, while an integrated digital ecosystem connects services and data into a unified environment. Without integration, there can be no truly effective AI.
By connecting government services, urban infrastructure, transportation systems, and security platforms, it becomes possible not only to respond to problems but also to predict them in advance. This is the foundation of proactive governance and one of the key goals of modern digital states.
Q: How can governments balance innovation and security as AI adoption accelerates?
A: Citizens need to understand what data is collected, how it is used, and who is responsible for protecting it. Therefore, AI implementation must go hand in hand with strong cybersecurity standards, personal data protection, transparent digital processes, and resilient infrastructure.
Kyrgyzstan has made important progress through improvements to digital legislation and the adoption of the Digital Code. Discussions are also underway regarding the establishment of an AI Ethics and Certification Center to promote responsible and transparent AI use.
Bishkek city. Author of the photo: Nikolay Gladkov.
Q: What role can AI play in building Digital Kyrgyzstan over the next five to ten years?
A: Artificial intelligence can significantly improve public services, support Smart City and Safe City initiatives, accelerate data-driven decision-making, and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Kyrgyzstan is striving to develop its own AI expertise and capabilities. AI provides powerful tools not only for building a Digital Kyrgyzstan but for creating a truly smart, secure, and people-centered nation.