Influence of ICT on the Competitiveness of the Trade Sector in Kazakhstan

Abstract

The theoretical frameworks of economic growth are considered, and key indicators for assessing the economic development of regions are identified. A cluster analysis of Kazakhstan's regions was conducted, according to a set of economic growth factors. Based on the results of the analysis, a classification of the country's regions is proposed. The level of economic development of regions, according to the theory of sustainable economic growth, was estimated using a number of indicators, which include innovation activity, human capital, private capital, public capital, regional accessibility, regional concentration, and gross regional product (GRP) per capita. Thus, with the help of cluster analysis of factors of socio-economic development of Kazakhstan's regions, we were able to structure indicators of their economic growth by the degree of similarity, and identify 8 regional clusters. The results obtained can be used in the formation of economic, social, and financial policy of the state, taking into account regional features of the Republic's development.