In modern realities, inequality is not only an urgent problem but is quite acutely perceived by society, especially in the post-pandemic period.

   This paper aims to analyze and evaluate the impact of inequality on the economic growth of Kazakhstan. In theoretical and empirical works, there are trends of both positive and negative effects of inequality on the growth of the economies of various countries. The research methodology is based on the development of the concept of interregional and country inequality. Methods such as retrospective analysis, generalization and systematization, comparative analysis, and regression analysis were applied. The information basis of the study was the database files for 16 regions of Kazakhstan and a period of 25 years from 1993 to 2018, available on the website of the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Based on the analysis of the calculated inequality coefficients, it was determined that the gap between interregional and country inequality is insignificant. Over 25 years, there has been a considerable increase in interregional and country inequality in Kazakhstan. The econometric analysis confirmed the existence of a significant negative link between inequality and economic growth and a positive relationship between income and GRP. In general, the study’s main hypothesis on the impact of inequality on the dynamics of economic growth in Kazakhstan is confirmed by empirical calculations. Thus, when developing and defining an effective regional policy, it is necessary to take into account the impact of inequality on economic growth, as it is statistically significant.

   The circular economy concept is becoming more important worldwide, promoting the closed-loop production cycle paradigm as opposed to the linear economic model. For emerging markets, the concept of CE is equally important. However, emerging economies have specific contextual conditions, which might hinder the CE’s successful implementation. Preliminary research showed the lack of comprehensive reviews on CE in emerging markets context, which became a prerequisite for conducting a systematic literature review.

   The purpose of the study is to distinguish research streams, concepts, and topics in the field of CE in emerging markets from a longitudinal perspective as well as to define features and conditions of CE implementation in emerging markets. The analysis was conducted using the Biblioshiny R-package tool. The results show that barriers and drivers to CE implementation in emerging markets are the most studied research areas. The most common drivers of CE development in emerging markets are attitude, social pressure, environmental commitment, consumer behavior, and institutional pressures. Low awareness and lack of environmental education are the most widespread impediments that lead to insufficient development of particular disposal. In addition, lack of regulatory incentives and insufficient infrastructure are also common barriers that limit CE development in emerging economies. The influence of Industry 4.0 technologies on CE implementation, circular business model,s and waste management are of increasing scientific interest. Moreover, features and conditions of CE implementation in emerging markets were derived. In addition, the content analysis identified possible research directions to be investigated.

   There are discussions among scientists on how food security and resilience can effect on the psychological wellbeing of university students. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of food security on the psychological wellbeing of university students by examining the mediating role of resilience. The quantitative survey was used to predict that the recipients’ wellbeing would increase when there is a positive effect on food security and resilience. Moreover, it was also expected that ensuring food security, would increase the resilience of the recipients. Questionnaires were used to collect data from more than 180 students from the largest Higher education institutions and one hundred and thirty-six of them were reliable for analysis. Only students were selected to the sample, because they are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society, especially those who come from regions to big cities like Almaty for the first time. Based on the structural modeling of Smart PLS, the results show that resilience mediates the relationship between Food security and psychological wellbeing. Moreover, mediation analyses supported the hypothesized model. This paper contributes to a more complete understanding of how investment in student’s food security may support or build students psychological wellbeing. Additionally, we contribute to the emerging literature on the mediating effect of resilience. Therefore, there is a need to support activities within and outside of government, as well as the effective participation of stakeholders to provide a coordinated and collaborative response.

   The key strategic priorities of the development of Kazakhstan are diversification, technological modernization and formation of a new industrial structure. It is clear that modern industrial structure is impossible to be formed with-out knowledge-based industries and fields, and prerequisites for their development in the regions of Kazakhstan differ significantly.

   The goal of this article is to assess the prerequisites and prospects of spatial development of knowledge-based sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy. The methodology of the article is based on the theoretical and methodological provision that possibilities for the development of knowledge-based economy in local territories and at certain points depend of specific factors such as availability of research and academic organizations in the territory. System-structural and functional approaches, methods of empirical research, including observation, comparison, generalization, systematization, methods of analysis and synthesis, logical analysis, methods of regional studies, and cluster analysis were used. There was used as the information base of the research the data reflected in the periodical press, the data of ministries, works of scientists of Kazakhstan and copyright developments under the framework of the study of innovation localization process and knowledge-based sectors of the economy. It is shown that development of knowl-edge-based sectors of economy in Kazakhstan will not be widespread, but will have a «cellular nature», located inside the boundaries of separate territories or «high-tech districts» (knowledge-based hubs, knowledge-based clusters, and smart cities) and perspectives of their development will be considered. The results of the research have been tested while recommendations development on issues of Kazakhstan territories’ technological modernization.

   The purpose of the article is to study the current state of agricultural cooperatives in the socio-economic development of Aktobe region. Today, one of the most pressing issues is the improvement of agricultural production cooperatives. The main analytical-synthetic statistical, computational, and analytical methods were used in the study. The experience of Aktobe region in production compared to other regions was studied in detail, ways to solve economic problems of the region through the development of rural areas, and the study of food security projects was identified. The method of statistical research was used to compare tabular statistics in the form of different classifiers and directories in the agricultural database. This allowed you to select several classifiers and directories and customize the display of their elements. The article analyzes the prerequisites for the effective operation of agricultural production cooperatives and identifies reserves for its growth. Special attention was paid to the further increase of agricultural production, and it was found that high results can be achieved through the digitization of agricultural cooperatives. As a result of the study, the authors show the possibility of increasing the quantitative and qualitative indicators of
production from the stage of production to sales, as well as the provision of agricultural machinery, transport services, as well as the supply chain from agricultural products. As for recommendations, it is proposed to develop appropriate measures to create an organizational and legal system for protecting the interests of agricultural producers in the conditions of market relations of cooperatives.

   The economy of Kazakhstan has an undoubted regional orientation, which is typical for countries with a large territory and a high level of socio-economic disproportions between individual regions of the country. The lack of knowledge of the conditions, factors, indicators and methodological approaches to determining the reproduction and distribution of the population in the regions of Kazakhstan determined the relevance of developing a concept and a map of the actual placement of the population in the regions of Kazakhstan.

   The purpose of the study is to analyze and identify the trend of modern reproduction and resettlement of the population in the regions of Kazakhstan. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the development of a system of conditions and indicators for the reproduction and resettlement of the population, which can serve as a methodological basis for determining the level and potential prerequisites for the formation of rational population resettlement in the regions of the country. As a result of the study, trends in modern reproduction and resettlement of the population in the regions of Kazakhstan were identified, indicators of population distribution were analyzed regarding regional differences in the structure of the life support of the population, the ratio of the rural and urban population. Based on the study of the problem, a methodology for analyzing the system of population settlement was developed. The authors made a classification of the system of population settlement according to characteristics and analyzed population reproduction (trends in the demographic process and internal migration).

   Forecasting demographic processes is a calculation of the future number, gender, and age structure of citizens in the context of individual countries, their regions, regional entities, as well as the whole world as a whole. In the strategic planning of the state’s economic and social situation, the population is important. This research paper provides an analysis of the demographic forecast in the example of Kazakhstan.

   The purpose of the study was to analyze the population of Kazakhstan in the period from 2000 to 2020, identify features, and forecast the population until 2050. The study used methods such as analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, and a method, that allows, to predict the behavior of processes in the future. Using the method of extrapolation, the coefficients of fertility, mortality, natural, absolute, average population growth, and migration coefficient were determined. Based on the calculated coefficients, the population of the republic was predicted until 2050. The study found that the population in Kazakhstan increased by 200-300 thousand people annually, the birth rate doubled from 2000 to 2020, mortality increased by 7%, there is a high demographic potential in Turkestan and Almaty regions, high, low - in North Kazakhstan, Kostanay and West Kazakhstan regions. The results of the study showed that in 2050 the population will be 26.5 million people. The paper provides recommendations for improving the demographic situation in the country. The results of the study can be applied in the theory of demographic forecasting and in the work on the strategic planning of state bodies.

   Human capital is the main valuable resource of states, the development of the economies of countries and regions as a whole. In many works of scientists and economists, the problems of development, formation, and effective use of human capital are reflected. In a market economy, the development competitiveness of countries depends on the level of progress, which includes the introduction of new advanced innovations. For determining the level of development of countries, the indicators are taken as volume of gross domestic product, life expectancy, level of education and etc. The main factor on development and formation of human capital is education. In a market, the role of education has increased by providing socio-economic and competitive education. The main task of article is the creation of qualified education system in necessary conditions for each individual, which will be contributed to the development and improvement of human capital. 

   The purpose of the study is to consider the rating of human capital in separate countries, their role in the economy and factors of human development. The main sources of the study were data from electronic resources and from the World Bank. The following tasks were solved: reflects the rating of human capital by country and region; the role of human capital in the economies of individual countries is determined; reflects the main measures for the development of human capital in countries and regions; tools and criteria for the development and improvement of human capital are defined.

   The outflow of young people from the country for education and employment abroad is one of the most acute socio-economic problems for Kazakhstan. Taking into account the international competition in education and the imperfection of the labor market in the country, stopping the emigration of young people in the near future seems to be a difficult task.

   The purpose of the study is to identify and substantiate the economic aspects and factors of educational and labor migration of Kazakh youth abroad. Today, young people of Kazakhstan travel to almost all regions and countries of the world. Youth migration has both positive and negative aspects. There were developed 3 types of online questionnaires for particular categories of respondents: 1) graduates of secondary education (27 questions), 2) graduates of bachelor’s degree (27 questions), 3) young people working and living abroad (23 questions). SPSS Software was used for data analysis. The positive consequences include raising the level of qualifications and knowledge of young people, exploring new opportunities for self-realization. However, an urgent problem is a fact that the educational and labor migration of young people turns into permanent or non-return migration. The analysis allowed us to identify the dominant factors of «attraction-pushing», which have been studied and are considered as determining the migration movement of young people abroad. The combination of attracting and pushing factors influencing the migration decisions of young people can be very complex and diverse, however, in most cases, the main factors are economic, social, and demographic factors of migration.

   The state of the labor sphere depends on many factors: the introduction of new technologies, demographic trends, the aggravation of international competition, the strengthening of the influence of globalization, but the coronavirus pandemic has had the greatest impact in recent years. The study aims to analyze the patterns of labor market development in Kazakhstan in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and assess its impact on the state and structure of the market. To achieve the goal, the methods of analysis and synthesis within the framework of a structural and functional approach were used in the work. This article presents the characteristics of the Kazakhstan labor market in the period before and after the introduction of quarantine restrictions. The positive and negative consequences of the pandemic and its impact on the labor market have been identified, including an increase in unemployment, a decrease in employment, gender and sectoral transformation of the labor market and a slowdown in external and internal labor migration flows. The industries most and least affected by the pandemic are highlighted. In particular, the sector of so-called “contact” services suffered the most, which, as a rule, is characterized by high labor intensity, relatively low wages, as well as an increased share of informal employment and self-employment. It is emphasized that the most important direction in the transformation of the domestic labor market will be its flexibility. The results obtained in the course of the study allow us to formulate proposals for improving the state policy of development and regulation of the labor market.

   The study is devoted to the study of the prospects for the development of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade with the countries of the Comprehensive Regional Economic Partnership (CREP) by analyzing the indicators of the openness of the economy and the use of econometric forecasting models. The relevance of the work is due to the need to consider the prospects for the development of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade relations with the new trade association CREP for further formation of directions for the development of such relations based on the principles of evidence-based policy, since the results obtained in the study can serve as a basis for making public management decisions in the field of trade and customs policy. Within the framework of the article, the authors applied a strategy of combined research methods with a comparative analysis of the results of using each of them. Thus, econometric methods of Box-Jenkins forecasting, exponential smoothing with the use of tests to check their adequacy and validity were used. Forecast errors are calculated, such as the root-mean-square error, the average absolute error and the average absolute error as a percentage. The study resulted in forecasts of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade turnover with the CREP countries for the short term, which allowed us to conclude about the positive dynamics of the development of these trade relations. A more accurate forecast is presented based on the use of the exponential smoothing method, which demonstrates the smallest error size and is easier to apply.

   This paper is the continuation of the research on the impact of Eurasian Customs Union policies on the economy of Kazakhstan.

   The study provides new evidence on the effects of Customs Unions on its members. In particular, this paper investigates the impact of tariff rate changes in Kazakhstan due to the establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union. Kazakhstan joined Eurasian Customs Union in 2010. Then the Eurasian Customs Union became the Eurasian Economic Union in May 2014. Since the establishment of the ECU, Kazakhstan’s trade policy has experienced considerable change. The tariff rates in Kazakhstan with countries outside the ECU almost doubled, with average tariff rates increasing from 6.45 to 12.24 %. This paper uses the dataset on bilateral trade flows between ECU countries and other 195 countries for 20 years from 2000 to 2019. An empirical analysis is performed on a country level, and panel data techniques are used to estimate whether the increase in the tariffs with non-members of CU will lead to trade diversion with suppliers outside the CU. The analysis demonstrated that the increase in tariff rates negatively affected imports to Kazakhstan from non-ECU countries. The effect of tariff increase, using the dynamic gravity model and GMM econometric technique, is estimated to be a 1.8 % decrease in imports if the average external tariff rate of Kazakhstan increases by one percentage point (e. g. from 7 % to 8 %). Due to the increase in tariff rates, the overall estimated reduction of imports of Kazakhstan is 10.66 %.

   Broad theoretical and empirical literature discusses how economic development is affected by different economic, political, institutional, social, and other factors. The classic macroeconomic growth theory argues that poorer states must have higher rates of economic growth compared to more prosperous states due to the so-called ‘catch-up effect’. The concept of ‘institutional sclerosis’, suggested by Olson, claims that economic performance is worse in countries that have powerful interest groups. Some scholars suggest that economic growth is conditioned by ‘institutional coherence’ when one institution in a country promotes the efficiency of another. In this research, using regression analysis we estimate the effect of different factors on economic growth in 187 countries from 2001 to 2018. Our findings do not fully support Olson’s argument that economic decline in some countries was conditioned by the influence of interest groups. Our econometric results do not confirm the importance of the effectiveness of state governance and the quality of public policy. At the same time, the most robust result of our analysis is a statistically significant negative relationship between the level of a country’s initial economic development and its following medium- and long-term economic growth. This research contributes to the existing literature by testing Olson’s institutional sclerosis effect for the last two decade,; estimating the combined effect of interacted variables that explains predictions of both ‘interest groups’ and ‘varieties of capitalism’ theories; considering various macroeconomic and social factors along with political ones in one multivariate model.

   A strong economical link has arisen between stock markets and exchange rates as a consequence of increased capital flows between international financial markets. This correlation between stock returns and exchange rates is particularly intriguing for developing countries such as Kazakhstan, whose economies are quite sensitive to capital flows. In the evolving global financial system, comprehension of the correlation between exchange rates and stock prices is vital for policymakers and investors. Knowing this relationship enables the manager to manage risk effectively, contrariwise, it is applied by investors to predict future trends. However, economic and financial policymakers and regulators need to know the interrelation between conversion rate and asset prices, such as stock markets, in order to articulate respective policies. Nevertheless, there are plenty of empirical studies on the interrelation between exchange rates and the stock market in developed and developing countries. This correlation has not been explored in Kazakhstan.

   The purpose of this study is to explore the correlation between stock prices and exchange rates in Kazakhstan. The relationship between the variables was analyzed via Johansen Cointegration Test and the VECM model. Upon the results of the analysis, the presence of a long-term correlation between the variables is proved. According to the results of the causality test, the Granger exchange rate is the reason for stock prices in Kazakhstan. There is no causality from stock prices to exchange rates. The results of the study also have a guiding quality in guiding investment decisions for both equity market and foreign money exchange market investors.

The null hypothesis that there is no
cointegration connection between the variables
is rejected, according to the Trace and Maximum
Eigenvalue test data in Table 4. In other words,
it has been established that the variables have a
long-term connection. Granger causality test based
on VAR model cannot be used when there is a
cointegration connection. The VECM (6) model
will be estimated first, followed by the causality
test. The results of the causality test predicted using
the error correction model are presented in Table 5.
The exchange rate is the Granger cause of stock
prices in Kazakhstan, according to the findings of
the causality test. There is no relationship between
stock prices and currency rates.

   The need for performance analysis and business continuity assessment is becoming increasingly important. Not the last role is played by the worsening economic situation and the economic crisis that is developing against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic that has swept the world. At the present stage of economic development, in connection with the acute problem of the financial instability of individual economic entities, it becomes necessary to accurately predict the insolvency and the likelihood of the risk of bankruptcy of the organization in terms of carrying out procedures aimed at determining the continuity of activities. The work is of an overview nature. The work used such economic methods of cognition as methods of selection and analysis of scientific information, a systematic approach, a method of comparison, and formal logic. The methods of selection and analysis of scientific information were used in the analysis of literature. The works of domestic and foreign scientists were supplemented by regulatory and legislative acts in the financial field. Sustainability analysis is based on the concept of business continuity. Continuity can be analyzed using different models and indicators, but all types of economic performance evaluation involve studying the company’s balance sheet. The application of the continuity mechanism reflects the real situation of the company’s stability and allows you to see problems in advance and avoid bankruptcy. The results of this study may be of interest both to supervisory and regulatory authorities, and investors, and internal services that control the financial stability of insurance companies.

   The purpose of this article is to analyze the current state and development of women’s entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan, which has a significant impact on the sustainable development of business structures. Therefore, in recent years, in the COVID-19 pandemic context, more and more attention has been paid to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises led by women, but in many low-income countries, women entrepreneurs still face significant barriers that do not exist when men are engaged in business. The analysis revealed that in practice, despite the organic changes introduced in COVID-19 pandemic conditions, women’s interest in the entrepreneurial activity organization is increasing every year from the point of view of the formation of the business process culture. The analysis identified the main reasons why women go into business: the desire for financial independence, the desire to realize their business idea, and the opportunity to combine work, family, and entertainment. Consequently, the state institution is actively pursuing a policy to reduce gender inequality, including in the business environment of Kazakhstan. The results of the study confirm that small and medium- sized business support institutions are interested in increasing women’s business, regardless of geographical location (city and village). Statistical analysis shows that the largest percentage of women entrepreneurs in wholesale and retail trade, the smallest percentage of women entrepreneurs is observed in the field of public administration and defense. To increase the business activity of women’s entrepreneurship, recommendations were developed for the formation and creation of a Unified National information Base on the development of women’s entrepreneurship.

   The prerequisite for studying the topic was that the topic of corporate governance is relevant, especially in our turbulent, unstable times. This is confirmed by the interest shown by authors from various countries. In the literature review subsection, articles on corporate governance by various authors from the Scopus database were studied. From the point of view of the authors, the activity of any organization depends on many different external and internal factors, such as the competence of management, the qualifications of employees, the availability of financial and labor resources for business development.

   Through the application of the methodology and methods of classical science, the goals of writing the article are revealed: the article presents a concise history of the development of corporate governance in the international and domestic markets in a convenient form, identifies the main three theories of corporate governance, and identifies differences in the codes of various countries in tabular form. The article confirms the information that underestimation of the importance of corporate governance can lead to several losses in the company, the impossibility of implementing the strategy, and inefficient use of resources: material, intellectual, labor, and financial. An assessment of the positive impact of the corporate management system as a whole on the company’s efficiency is given. The results of the study can be applied in building a corporate management system for companies, regardless of the form of ownership and the number of employees. The topic of corporate governance is especially relevant in the current realities.