Institutional and economic mechanisms for technological modernization of regions in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, structural asymmetry and social polarization are the main problems in modern spatial development. Meanwhile, radical changes of recent years were so dynamic and multi-dimensional that scientific understanding of new approaches and possible prospects for the development of regions in Kazakhstan is required. The global economic system is becoming increasingly unstable so the interest in spatial patterns of economic development in Kazakhstan and new mechanisms of territory’s management is scientifically justified. In this regard, there is a need to adjust the basic provisions and principles of spatial economic development in Kazakhstan taking into account the new global challenges and trends in innovative development, develop effective mechanisms aimed at smoothing the socio-economic imbalances in the country, and form new “growth poles” with high-tech production, which makes the study relevant. The purpose of the present paper is to study the conceptual foundations of spatial economic development, as well as develop mechanisms for implementation of technological modernization in regions of Kazakhstan. The novelty of the research lies in that it solves the problem of theoretical and methodological substantiation of the policy of spatial development based on new principles of inclusiveness and “smart specialization”, and develops recommendationsfor selecting strategic directions and mechanisms for its implementation taking into account national specific features. The present study, unlike the previous ones, is based on using a new multi-sector approach to implementing the policy of spatial economic development in Kazakhstan aimed at creating “growth poles” in rapidly developing industries and “tightening the level of development in backward (depressed) regions”. As a result, the research provides scientific and practical recommendations, strategic directions, and mechanisms for implementing technological modernization in the regions of Kazakhstan.