The primary objective of this study is to examine how the sanctions imposed against Russia affect the stability of Kazakhstan's economy using a developed integral index of economic stability.

The study is based on a set of methods for calculating an integral indicator of economic stability. To analyze the available scientific developments in this field, we applied the methods of comparison and analysis. The initial data were processed using consistent normalization methods, such as the maximum/minimum method. After that, integral indicators were calculated.

The results showed a decline in the main macroeconomic indicators in Kazakhstan the year after the imposition of sanctions, which is clearly reflected in both the overall and individual indices of economic stability. Further analysis reveals that the sanctions against Russia lead to structural imbalances in Kazakhstan's economy, but also benefit the growth of its economy and stimulate its foreign trade. This article contributes to existing research on the impact of sanctions on countries neighboring Russia. It is recommended to analyze the effect of anti-Russian sanctions on other members of the EAEU in the future.

The originality of this study lies in the development of a new methodology for calculating an integral stability index based on nine indicators. This stability index helps us to study the impact of global economic sanctions on Russia on the stability of the Kazakh economy. It allows us to better understand and determine the future direction of Kazakhstan's development.

The purpose of the study is the relevance of the article due to the errors that have occurred in scientific publications using mathematical methods in socio-economic research over the past ten years. In the context of the integrative nature of scientific knowledge, a detailed interdisciplinary research methodology of statistical and mathematical methods is presented, illustrated by a specific example of socio-economic research.

Methodology – independent correlation coefficients of correlation-regression analysis were used to determine the cause-and-effect relationship of the average annual population trend of Almaty. The statistical significance of the regression model was checked using retro-forecasting.

The value of the study – the importance of the article is that one of the methods of correlation analysis the procedure for using independent correlation coefficients to determine the causes and effects of demographic trends is shown. In addition, a specific procedure is provided in accordance with the principles of interdisciplinary research methodology.

Research results – as a result of the study, the main demographic indicators of Almaty city the number of births and natural increase have a low contribution to the growth of the city's population, that is, demographic depopulation has occurred over the past 25 years. Based on statistical data, correlation analysis proved that the city's population is growing due to the internal migration flow of the country. One of the important factors regulating the city's population the regulation of higher education institutions and markets was proposed as a way to limit the flow of internal migration.

Purpose of the research – To analyze the potential of digital technologies as a tool for enhancing transparency, objectivity, and efficiency in the performance evaluation system of public servants in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as to develop an approach for creating a model of digital competencies integrated into public service assessment procedures.

Methodology – analysis of the regulatory and legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan; examination of international digitalization indices (EGDI, GovTech); comparative legal and content analysis; collection and processing of secondary data; elements of modeling and analytics based on the practices of the UN, World Bank, and World Economic Forum.

Originality / value – An original model of digital competencies for public servants is proposed by the author, consisting of the following structure: 1) Digital planning and design; 2) Digital management, implementation, and service orientation; 3) Data utilization; 4) Digital security and ethics. Each competency area includes a set of skills with three proficiency levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced.

Research findings – it is shown that the development of mechanisms and methods for assessing the performance of civil servants in Kazakhstan on the basis of digital technologies is constrained by two groups of factors: first, the uneven development of digital competencies and the differentiation of levels of digital literacy; second, the absence of unified legal and methodological approaches to defining the content of digital training for civil servants in specific areas of activity, which ultimately makes an objective assessment of their digital competencies impossible.

Purpose of the research. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a vital role in sustainable development. In line with development strategies such as Qazaqstan 2050, PPPs are essential tools for promoting sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for the population. Global experience, especially in Europe and the United States, demonstrates the effectiveness of PPPs as a collaborative form between government and industry. For Qazaqstan, it is essential to adapt these models to local conditions. Since the enactment of the Law "On Public-Private Partnerships" in 2015, PPP mechanisms have been actively developed in the country. Analysing international experience and adapting it to Qazaqstan’s context can improve project results and strengthen the public administration system.

Methodology. The study employed data collection and analysis methods, including content, historical, and comparative analyses.

Originality/value. This paper offers a historical overview of PPP development in Qazaqstan, highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the legislative framework, and provides recommendations to enhance the institutional environment. The novelty of the study lies in the integration of empirical statistical analysis with institutional and legal analysis, which enabled us to identify systemic limitations to the effectiveness of PPPs and to propose measures to improve their social and economic performance.

Findings. The analysis revealed a notable decrease in the number of PPP agreements since 2018, indicating systemic inefficiencies and over-regulation. The shift from quantitative to qualitative indicators was accompanied by stricter procedures for evaluating economic feasibility, risk sharing, and centralised oversight. A comparative analysis indicated that successful PPP models in developed countries depend on transparent digital platforms, equitable risk distribution, and long-term financial sustainability-elements that still need further development in Qazaqstan.

Purpose – To assess the impact of cultural policy on the economic development of Kazakhstan, taking into account the mediating role of creative activity and human capital in the context of the modern creative economy. In this paper, economic development» is operationalized as the economic performance of the cultural and creative sector (growth of cultural GVA, the share of cultural GVA in GDP, and exports of creative goods).

Methodology – Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with latent variables based on official statistics of Kazakhstan for 2020–2024; application of Harrington’s desirability functions to aggregate indicators and construct composite indices of cultural policy, creative activity, human capital and economic development.

Originality / value – The paper offers a quantitative operationalization of cultural policy as a manageable economic resource by integrating it with indicators of the creative economy and human capital within a single structural model. It demonstrates how cultural policy can be incorporated into macroeconomic analysis and used to inform adjustments to economic strategy.

Research findings – The study shows that cultural policy in Kazakhstan is positively associated with creative activity and human capital, while its direct effect on economic development is negative and the indirect effects via creative activity and human capital are statistically insignificant. This suggests that, in its current configuration, cultural policy functions mainly as a cost rather than a growth factor, and that its instruments need to be reoriented toward supporting creative industries, the export of cultural products and the development of human capital.

Purpose – The study explores rising climate fluctuations in Kazakhstan, focusing on agriculture’s resilience; it highlights consequences for income security, village communities, or future planning.

Methodology – This research uses descriptive methods alongside comparison techniques, relying on existing data. It examines patterns in rising temperatures, shifts in rainfall, more frequent droughts, declining soil quality, or limited water access. These environmental factors are then connected to how well farming performs over time.

Originality / value – The study adds to existing work on climate risks in Central Asia by linking environmental, financial, and sector-level factors into one analysis approach while using varied structural choices per sentence. A rare look at how farming and climate interact in Kazakhstan is provided, showing local adaptation efforts already tested in real conditions instead of relying on generic solutions.

Findings – Results indicate rising heat stress, less rain, frequent droughts, and growing dry areas reduce crop output, animal performance, or soil health, thus harming food access plus income in rural regions. The study highlights key adaptive actions like smart irrigation tools, varied farming setups, or sturdy equipment and methods which may improve resistance while aiding lasting growth.

Purpose of the research – to analyze the role of critical minerals in diversifying Kazakhstan’s economy and to assess the country’s strategy for moving to higher levels of global value chains.

Methodology – a comprehensive assessment of factors influencing Kazakhstan’s positioning in critical mineral supply chains was conducted using a systematic literature review, PESTEL analysis of the external environment, SWOT analysis of internal factors, and the TOWS strategic matrix.

Originality / value of the study – the authors integrate geopolitical analysis with an economic assessment of the potential for developing Kazakhstan’s processing industries in the context of the global energy transition. The study explores opportunities for the country to advance in global critical mineral value chains through the application of the TOWS matrix for the formation of targeted strategic initiatives.

Findings – it was determined that despite having 124 deposits of rare earth elements and significant reserves of critical minerals, Kazakhstan’s share of high-tech exports remains only 26.9%. The study substantiates that to advance in global value chains, Kazakhstan must overcome technological barriers and strengthen international cooperation. A matrix of strategic initiatives (TOWS) has been developed, including the creation of joint ventures with technology leaders, diversification of export markets, engagement of international partners for technology transfer, and transition to a green economy.

The article is devoted to the study of managerial and marketing strategies aimed at improving the efficiency of Kazakhstan’s grain exports to China. The analysis of the current state revealed supply dynamics, key routes, and system weaknesses, including logistical and institutional barriers such as infrastructure limitations, phytosanitary inconsistencies, low digitalization, and restricted access to facilities. The study of the experience of Russia, Canada, and Australia demonstrated the importance of subsidies, digital monitoring, and sectoral branding. Marketing communications, electronic platforms, and the “Kazakh Grain” brand were also examined. A model of synergy between logistics and marketing with an implementation roadmap was presented to optimize supply chains and strengthen market positions.

The purpose of the study is to systematize and evaluate managerial practices for overcoming logistical constraints in grain trade between Kazakhstan and China, as well as to identify directions for improving state and corporate policies.

The research methodology is based on a systematic approach that combines theoretical and empirical methods. The study applied analysis of scientific publications, regulatory acts, strategic documents, and the experience of leading grain-exporting countries, as well as content analysis of statistics and industry reports. The empirical base included analysis of export statistics, expert interviews, and a SWOT analysis to identify key factors and barriers to the development of grain exports to China.

The originality/value of the study lies in the comprehensive consideration of logistical problems and managerial solutions in the grain export system, which made it possible to integrate institutional and corporate levels of analysis, taking into account the specifics of Kazakhstan–China trade. This approach not only reveals barriers but also formulates practical recommendations for overcoming them, thereby enhancing the applied significance of the results for state policy and corporate strategies.

Research results. The findings showed that the integration of logistical and marketing strategies is the key to strengthening the position of Kazakhstan’s grain in China. The developed model with a roadmap allows reducing costs, accelerating deliveries, and improving the activities of “Kazakh Grain,” while also increasing competitiveness through infrastructure modernization, digitalization of procedures, and active use of trade platforms. 

Purpose. This paper examines how renewable energy (RE) auction projects can be delivered effectively in Central Asia, with a focus on Kazakhstan, by aligning project delivery practices and procurement rules with local institutional conditions.

Methodology. The study applies a thematic synthesis of peer-reviewed literature and selected industry reports on RE auctions and project delivery. Qualitative coding groups reported drivers and barriers into domains (tender design, risk allocation, grid and regulatory constraints, financial guarantees, EPC/O&M capabilities). A comparative matrix for Germany, Chile and India is then used to derive implications for emerging auction regimes in Central Asia.

Originality/value. This review links auction design to project delivery by showing how institutional conditions shape whether auction portfolios are implemented, shifting attention from bid prices to implementation risk and system integration.

Findings. Germany, Chile and India share objectives of mobilising investment, lowering prices and ensuring delivery, but they rely on different combinations of prequalification, contract models and risk-allocation mechanisms. Across cases, implementation performance depends on: (1) tender design with proportionate requirements and enforceable sanctions; (2) enabling institutional conditions (predictable policy, credible offtakers, and timely grid expansion); and (3) investor-side delivery capability, including EPC and O&M readiness. For Kazakhstan and Central Asia, the main bottlenecks reported in the literature are regulatory volatility, grid and permitting constraints, and limited local EPC/O&M capacity. The paper proposes recommendations on aligning regulatory and project cycles, coordinating grid planning with auction schedules, and calibrating prequalification and guarantees to local risks.

Research Objective. To conduct a systematic analysis of the impact of marketing strategies on agricultural productivity, identify methodological and regional patterns in existing studies, and determine research gaps for future investigations.

Methodology. This study applies a systematic literature review (SLR) of research examining the relationship between marketing strategies and agricultural productivity. A total of 22 peer-reviewed articles published in Google Scholar between 20010 and 2025 were analyzed using thematic and content analysis methods.

Originality / Value of the Study. The study provides a comprehensive assessment of how marketing strategies influence agricultural productivity by comparing research trends in developing and developed countries. It identifies underexplored areas such as sustainability, viability, market orientation, and green marketing, offering guidance for future research directions.

Research Findings. Although “marketing strategies” and “productivity” frequently appear together in academic literature, few studies directly link these variables. Most papers rely on descriptive and regression analyses. The results reveal that developing countries show greater interest in agricultural marketing studies compared to developed ones. Significant research gaps remain in exploring the relationship between marketing strategies and sustainability, viability, market orientation, and green marketing.

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between HR practices in talent management and the implementation of ESG initiatives in Kazakhstani companies.

Research methodology. The empirical data were processed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software, which ensured the application of descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression models to assess the impact of ESG and HR factors on employee engagement and perceptions of corporate sustainability.

The scientific value of this study lies in contributing to the development of academic discussion on the relationship between talent management and ESG in Kazakhstan, an area that remains insufficiently explored. Its practical significance is related to the development of recommendations for HR departments on integrating ESG approaches into talent management systems.

The results of the study. Companies implementing ESG practices demonstrate significantly higher levels of satisfaction with HR policies compared to companies without ESG initiatives (p < 0.05). Employee participation in ESG initiatives is significantly higher in companies that apply ESG-oriented HR practices (p < 0.01). Regression analysis shows that wellbeing programs have a positive effect on employee engagement (β = 0.47, p < 0.01).

Purpose of the research. The aim is to analyze the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into higher education in Kazakhstan through the lens of project management (PM), and to propose a framework for aligning sustainability initiatives with institutional reforms.

Methodology. The study applies a qualitative research design based on secondary data analysis combined with a SWOT analysis of Kazakhstani higher education institutions. Comparative case studies of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) were examined, with reference to global best practices.

Originality / value. The research provides one of the first systematic assessments of ESG adoption in Kazakhstan’s higher education sector, linking sustainability governance with project management models (P5, PRiSM, Agile). It contributes to the emerging discourse on ESG in Central Asia, offering a hybrid PM framework adaptable to the regional context of limited funding, centralized governance, and hydrocarbon dependence.

Findings. Results show that Kazakhstani universities have strong potential in social inclusivity and governance but face weaknesses in environmental sustainability and PM institutionalization. The SWOT analysis indicates that strengths (internationalization, social reforms) and opportunities (faculty training, global partnerships) can outweigh threats (funding gaps, governance constraints) if managed through hybrid ESG-PM models. Case evidence demonstrates measurable outcomes, such as energy savings (KazNU) and a 10% increase in digital literacy (NU). Scaling requires structured monitoring and interdisciplinary engagement to position Kazakhstan as a regional leader in sustainable higher education.

Purpose of the research is to identify whether there is a significant relationship between the advance decline ratio (ADR) and returns on KASE index.

Research methodology – least squares regression analysis was performed using weekly data for 2019-2023 period.

Originality/value of the research – although market breadth is widely implemented in developed financial markets, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies on analysis of the relationships in Kazakhstan stock market particularly, this study adds to the existing knowledge base by examining the relationships in Kazakhstan equity market.

Findings – our findings suggest that there is a weak, but significant relationship between returns on KASE index and ADR, provided the low beta and R² of 0.22, in line with other studies and practical observations, suggesting that ADR is not a driving factor for the stock price moves but rather an accompanying signal which can be used to strengthen the conclusions about potential stock market trends, specifically, investors should pay attention that any uptrend in the stock market is associated with improving ADR leading to more robust and longer trends rather than short term weak price spikes.

The purpose of the study. This systematic literature review examines the role of AI in the labor market and its effectiveness in terms of productivity and employment outcomes.

Methodology. We reviewed recent studies from 2020 to 2025 across global and regional contexts to assess how AI adoption influences job creation, displacement, and workforce composition. The objective was to synthesize current evidence on whether AI augments human labor or automates it away, and under what conditions. Using a systematic methodology, we analyzed 17 key publications from peer-reviewed academic journals.

Originality / value. Our review finds that AI’s net impact on employment has so far been modest, with no clear evidence of mass unemployment caused by AI. However, AI-driven automation has uneven effects: it displaces certain routine and low-skill jobs while creating new possibilities for high-skill tasks, thus contributing to labor market polarization. Notably, AI tends to complement and enhance the productivity of skilled employees, whereas low-skilled roles face significant automation risk.

Findings. In our discussion, we highlight the following findings: agreement that AI demands workforce upskilling and policy support, alongside divergent results, for example, conflicting evidence on net job creation in different contexts. A meta-analysis of the literature reveals surging research interest in 2023–2025 and a focus largely on advanced economies. Finally, we discuss implications: while AI can enhance labor productivity and create value, proactive measures are needed to ensure these gains translate into broad-based employment benefits. The review identifies research gaps such as limited studies in low-income countries and long-term generative AI effects and underscores the importance of policies to manage AI’s workforce transition.

Purpose. Analysis of the development of artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan, identification of its impact on economic processes, as well as development of proposals for the effective use of artificial intelligence technologies in various industries.

Methodology. The research methods used were the analysis of theoretical approaches to the application of artificial intelligence in the digital economy, statistical data analysis, trend, comparative and SWOT analysis of experiments on the introduction of artificial intelligence in various fields. During the writing of the article, data from the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan were used. These data covered 2019-2023. In addition, SPSS and Python programs were used in the article.

Originality / value. Studying the role of artificial intelligence in the development of the digital economy reveals an important link between technological innovation and the transformation of economic processes. The integration of artificial intelligence into various industries will not only increase productivity, but also create new forms of interaction between market participants, which will open up prospects for creating a flexible and efficient economic system. Using artificial intelligence to analyze big data and automate business processes speeds up decision-making and improves forecast accuracy. Thus, artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of the digital economy, determining its future development and new models of economic growth.

Findings. The results of the study showed that artificial intelligence significantly accelerates the processes of digital transformation, while increasing the efficiency of business processes and optimizing resources. Its application in various sectors of the economy contributes to the creation of new models of interaction and the growth of innovation potential, which, in turn, stimulates the sustainable development of the digital economy. According to the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in 2023, artificial intelligence reduced costs for general financial functions by 16%, according to line ministries in 2023, increased labor productivity in agriculture by 12%, the number of implemented artificial intelligence systems in healthcare reached 9, the share of educational institutions using artificial intelligence increased by 15%.