During the COVID-19 pandemic, universities have quickly and effectively moved millions of students and educators online despite huge logistical and technological challenges. There are very few industries that have reacted in this way. In future leading universities will look for a new business model and apply disruptive innovations into the leaning process. In recent years Kazakh higher education development has been accompanied by intensive economic growth thereby raising demand for high qualified employers. The aim of this research was to reveal the ways of implementing high innovation and creativity approaches at Western Kazakhstan State University. This study examined the factors determining conditions for development of an innovative culture across the university and industry. The methodology is based on semi-structured interviews, reflective experiences; survey of students, teachers and administration. The results show that WKSU needs frugal innovation, as it provides a new entrepreneurial landscape for companies in low-income countries with limited resources to develop innovations.