L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, a dissertation defense for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Mussina Gulmira on the topic «Development of the digital space of the EAEU: national and supranational levels» to the educational program «8D03105 – Regional Studies».
The dissertation was carried out at the «Regional studies» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.
The language of defense is russian
Official reviewers:
Jussupova Gul Gabdulualitovna – Doctor in professional area, Deputy Director of the Department of Digitalization and Public Services of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana с., Republic of Kazakhstan);
Sheryazdanova Kamilla Galimovna – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Associate Professor, Professor of the Institute of Diplomacy of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana c., Republic of Kazakhstan).
Temporary members of the Dissertation Council:
Kushkumbayev Sanat Kairslyamovich – Doctor of Political Sciences, Chief Researcher of the KISI under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana с., Republic of Kazakhstan);
Ramakrushna Pradhan – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Central University (Bilaspur c., Chhattisgarh, India);
Yessengeldina Anar Satybaldinovna – candidate of economic sciences, professor, Director of the School of Digital Public Administration, Astana IT University (Astana с., Republic of Kazakhstan).
Scientific advisors:
Ospanova Aigerim Nuralievna – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), professor, Head of the Department of Regional Studies of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Astana с., Republic of Kazakhstan);
Lagutina Maria Lvovna – doctor of political sciences, professor of the Department of World Politics of the Saint Petersburg State University (Saint Petersburg с., Russian Federation).
The defense will take place on December 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Dissertation Council for the training direction «8D031 – Social sciences» in the specialty «8D03105 – Regional Studies» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The meeting of the dissertation council will be held in both offline and online formats.
Address: Astana, K. Satpayev St., 2, Main Building, Room 302.
Abstract (English): The purpose of this dissertation is to comprehensively analyze the formation and development of the digital space of the EAEU at the national and supranational levels, as well as to develop scientifically sound proposals for improving the effectiveness of digital integration. Research objectives: 1. To analyze theoretical and methodological approaches to studying issues of economic digitalization, the formation of digital space, and the development of digital integration in regional associations. 2. To examine international experience in digital transformation and development of digital space in integration associations (the EU, ASEAN, and MERCOSUR) in order to identify applicable practices for the EAEU. 3. To assess the current state and development trends of the digital economy in EAEU countries. 4. To examine the mechanisms, institutional frameworks, and legal regulation of digital interaction at the supranational level of the EAEU, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. 5. To develop recommendations for improving digital policy at the national and supranational levels, taking into account integration processes in the EAEU. Research Methods. The methodological basis of this dissertation is based on general scientific and specialized methods that provide a comprehensive study of the formation and development of the digital space of the EAEU. Based on analysis and synthesis, the concepts of the formation and development of the digital economy and their applicability to the implementation of digital transformation processes in the activities of regional integration associations were examined. Historical and logical analysis was used to describe the evolution of the formation and development of the digital economy as a modern phenomenon, as well as to describe the evolution of the formation of the digital space of integration associations (the EU, ASEAN, MERCOSUR, and the EAEU). Using the method of induction and deduction, the relationship between digitalization and integration was compared: the introduction of digital tools in intercountry relations increases the effectiveness of economic relations and, accordingly, strengthens integration processes. Content analysis was used to study and evaluate the institutional mechanisms and tools of digital integration and information policies for promoting digital integration. For example, content analysis was used to determine the accessibility of the "Work Without Borders" portal, one of the successful digitalization projects of the EAEU. A comparative analysis allowed us to study the digitalization experience of the EU and other integration associations to identify the most successful practices that could be applied in the EAEU to accelerate the creation of a single digital space. Statistical analysis allowed us to use statistical data to assess quantitative indicators of digital development (the impact of digitalization on GDP, the level of digitalization in countries, etc.). A combined statistical and comparative approach to analyzing the results of seven of the most authoritative global rankings in information, communication, and digital technologies revealed the existence of a digital divide between EAEU countries. A SWOT analysis revealed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the digitalization process in the EAEU. A PEST analysis was used to identify the political, economic, social, and technological factors influencing the development of digitalization in the EAEU. This resulted in the formulation of the Ishikawa diagram "EAEU Digital Integration Model. Conditions for Creating a Single Digital Space in the EAEU." Survey methods were also used: mass questionnaires and expert interviews. The data obtained during the surveys are confidential and do not allow the identification of respondents. The survey of citizens and experts was conducted to address the following objectives: − determine the population's perception of the level of digitalization at the national and supranational levels; − assess awareness of the digitalization opportunities in the EAEU; − identify a correlation between digitalization and the depth of integration processes; − study the key challenges and prospects for the development of the digital space in the EAEU; − develop recommendations for information support for digitalization processes in the EAEU. To analyze scientific results related to the digitalization of higher education in the EAEU as a factor influencing the formation of the digital space, a bibliometric approach was employed, using VOSviewer software (https://www.vosviewer.com/). Key points to be defended: 1. It has been proven that digitalization is becoming a new dimension of regional integration. Regional associations around the world are developing their own digitalization strategies to further deepen integration processes. To assess digital potential, ranking tools (indexes and ratings) are being introduced that measure national and supranational levels of digitalization. 2. The author provides an interpretation of the concept of "digital space of an integration association" – the sphere of interaction between states in an integration association based on the digital transformation of economic, political, social, cultural, and other spaces (the integration of digital technologies into all areas of interaction and cooperation). 3. The key challenges in the development of the EAEU digital space and the contradictions between national and supranational regulation are identified and systematized: the existence of a digital divide between participating countries; problems in aligning legislation at the national and EAEU levels on issues of personal data protection, the use of electronic signatures, etc.; uneven integration of customs IT systems; Slow pace of digitalization of product labeling and traceability; challenges in complying with unified cybersecurity requirements; uneven IT infrastructure; insufficient information policy in the field of digitalization; insufficient level of digital competencies among the population. 4. A digital integration model is proposed using the EAEU as an example. It consists of three frameworks: institutional, economic, and technological. The institutional framework aims to harmonize legal regimes and create a sustainable multi-level governance architecture. The economic framework envisions the formation of a single digital market and measurable integration effects. The technological framework, based on infrastructure, envisions ensuring technical compatibility and cyber resilience of cross-border services. 5. It is substantiated that the Republic of Kazakhstan plays an important role in digital integration. The country has significant potential in the development of the EAEU digital space thanks to the implementation of large-scale national digitalization programs; however, additional mechanisms are required to synchronize with the supranational policy of the EAEU. 6. It is proven that the creation of the EAEU digital space is supported by the populations of the member states. Positive feedback has been noted regarding the implementation of digital tools for citizens and businesses. However, these processes require more extensive information support. For example, at the EAEU level, there are no comprehensive, large-scale population surveys to identify "growth points" related to digital transformation. 7. It has been proven that the digitalization of higher education lays the foundation for training personnel for the digital economy. Despite the fact that the EAEU is an economic integration association, it is necessary to develop humanitarian cooperation in the field of digitalization of education to provide the digital space with personnel possessing digital skills. 8. Practical proposals for improving the EAEU's digital policy have been formulated, including measures to eliminate the digital divide, develop cross-border digital services, and strengthen the regulatory framework. Description of the main results and novelty of the study: 1. For the first time in Kazakh national science, the development of the EAEU's digital space is comprehensively described in two interconnected dimensions – national and supranational. It is concluded that the creation of "digital states" and the introduction of digital tools into interstate relations have a positive impact on strengthening integration processes. 2. For the first time in Kazakhstani regional studies, the author proposes a definition of "digital space" as a component of an integration association. It is demonstrated that digitalization is becoming a new dimension of regional integration, alongside dimensions such as culture, politics, and economics. 3. The experience of digital integration in the European Union (EU) and in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is systematized to explore the possibility of adapting it and applying it to the formation of a single digital space for the Eurasian Economic Union. 4. The measurement of perceptions and assessments of the level of digitalization by EAEU citizens, conducted as part of this dissertation, can be used as a pilot project for further mass surveys similar to the Eurobarometer to develop a supranational strategy for disseminating and implementing the benefits of digital integration. 5. A conceptual model for the formation of a single digital space for the EAEU has been formulated, taking into account its competitive advantages and potential risks. The model is based on institutional, economic, and technological aspects, which should be implemented in four dimensions: supranational, national, business, and societal. 6. Although the EAEU is declared a purely economic integration association, another dimension of successful digital integration is the digitalization of higher education as the basis for training personnel for digital transformation. 7. Based on the study's results, practical recommendations have been developed for the Eurasian Economic Commission and the governments of the EAEU member states, aimed at expanding cooperation in the field of digitalization. Justification of the importance of the obtained results. The obtained results can be used by the Eurasian Economic Commission and government agencies of the EAEU countries to improve the digital agenda and the Digital Union and develop integrated digitalization programs. The author's recommendations are applicable to the development and adjustment of national digitalization plans for the Republic of Kazakhstan, taking into account integration obligations within the EAEU. The developed proposals can serve as the basis for preparing analytical reports, forecasts, and policy documents in the field of digital economy and regional integration. The dissertation materials can be used in the educational process when teaching courses on regional studies, international economics, regional integration, digital economy, and public administration. Compliance with scientific development areas or state programs. This dissertation was funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (project BR21882302 "Kazakhstani Society in the Context of Digital Transformation: Prospects and Risks"). This dissertation is aligned with the priority area of scientific development approved by the Higher Scientific and Technical Commission under the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan – "Research in the Field of Social Sciences and Humanities." Certain provisions of the dissertation are aligned with the Concept of Digital Transformation, Development of the Information and Communications Technology Industry, and Cybersecurity for 2023–2029 (approved by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 28, 2023). A description of the applicant's contribution to the preparation of each publication. The main results and conclusions of the research are reflected in 12 publications: - 1 article in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal indexed in the Scopus database; - 5 articles in journals recommended by the Quality Assurance Committee in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan for publication of the main results of scientific activity; - 2 articles in foreign scientific journals included in the Scopus and EBSCO databases; − 4 articles in the proceedings of international scientific and practical conferences. Selected results of the candidate's research were included in a collective monograph. In addition, two certificates of inclusion of information in the state register of rights to objects protected by copyright (copyright certificates) were received. The dissertation is 206 pages long and consists of an introduction, three sections, a conclusion, practical recommendations, a list of references, and 14 appendices. It includes 10 figures, 10 tables, and 8 diagrams.
Conclusion of the Research Ethics Committee
Defense of the dissertation: https://youtu.be/6BuSu4cPdTE?si=XGrLfWo9ZYMJaJ1t
