INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY AND CRITICAL RATIONALISM IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
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https://doi.org/10.32523/3080-1281-2025-153-4-44-59Keywords:
Institutional memory; critical rationalism; public policy; KazakhstanAbstract
This article analyzes the functioning of social institutions through the lens of the of institutional memory, which encompasses knowledge, narratives, and organizational identity. The concept's practical focus on preventing the repetition of past mistakes allows for an interpretation of institutional memory within the context of critical rationalism. Empirical material is provided through Kazakhstani cases demonstrating current practices for working with institutional memory at the level of governmental and non-governmental organizations. An analysis of global and Kazakhstani experience demonstrates that the problem of institutional memory is particularly relevant for the public sector. The study identifies three approaches to addressing this issue: institutional memory depends on its bearers—the continuity between people ensures the continuity of ideas; institutional memory grows from organizational memory, which in turn is based on the growth of knowledge, including through training; and institutional memory is developed using artificial intelligence tools. The latter is becoming an integral part of Kazakhstan's strategic goal of transforming into a digital state.
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