L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, a dissertation defense for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Нуржанова Гулмира Исламовна on the topic «Labour potential of rural territories in the Republic of Kazakhstan: problems and development prospects» by specialty «6D050600 – Экономика».
The dissertation was carried out at the «Economics and Entrepreneurship education department» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.
The language of defense is russian
Official reviewers:
Temporary members of the Dissertation Committee:
Scientific advisors:
Saparova Gulnar Karimovna – Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor of the Department of Economics at Turan-Astana University (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan)
Niyazbekova Shakizada Uteulievna – Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, Senior Researcher at the Research and Education Center “Sustainable Development” of S.Yu. Witte Moscow University (Moscow, Russian Federation)
The defense will take place on December 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Dissertation Council for the training direction «8D041 – Business and administration» in the specialty «6D050600 – Экономика» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The defense meeting is planned to be held online.
Link: https://clck.ru/3QKoKL
Address: г. Астана, ул. Кажымукана, 11, ауд. №517
Abstract (English): ABSTRACT of the dissertation by Nurzhanova Gulmira Islamovna on the topic: «Labour potential of rural territories in the Republic of Kazakhstan: problems and development prospects», submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the speciality 6D050600 – «Economics» The aim of the dissertation research is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the labour potential of rural areas in the Republic of Kazakhstan, with a focus on identifying problems and developing practical recommendations. The aim is achieved by solving the following tasks: – to reveal the theoretical aspects of the concepts of ‘labour potential’ and ‘rural areas’; – to develop a methodology for assessing the development of the labour potential of rural areas in modern economic conditions; – to study the international experience of countries in developing the labour potential of rural areas; – to analyse the current state of the labour potential of rural areas of the Republic of Kazakhstan; – to assess the development of the labour potential of rural areas of Kazakhstan, taking into account the influence of determining factors; – analyse trends in the formation of agricultural enterprises and their impact on the development of labour potential in rural areas; – identify problems and prospects for the development of labour potential in rural areas of Kazakhstan and develop practical recommendations for its improvement; – develop a model for the development of the labour potential of rural areas in Kazakhstan using forecasts of key indicators; – identify and justify approaches to the development of the labour potential of agricultural enterprises that reflect contemporary paradigms. Research methods. The theoretical, methodological and informational basis of the research consists of the works of domestic and foreign scholars related to the development of labour potential, laws, decrees of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, government resolutions and other normative acts adopted in the country. The information base for the research work consists of official data from the National Statistics Bureau of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, data from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the results of studies conducted. Various methods of economic analysis were used in the study of the data, including abstract-logical, economic-statistical, economic-mathematical, and systemic methods. A graphical method of presenting information was used to visualise and illustrate individual provisions of the dissertation. Main provisions put forward for defence: 1. An original definition of the term “labour potential of rural areas” that reflects its specific characteristics. 2. A comprehensive methodology for assessing the labour potential of rural areas under modern conditions. 3. Identification of the factors influencing the development of the labour potential of rural areas in the Republic of Kazakhstan. 4. An economic and mathematical model and forecasts for the development of the labour potential of rural areas in the Republic of Kazakhstan, enabling an assessment of its dynamics and economic efficiency. 5. Directions and practical recommendations for the development of the labour potential of rural areas based on the study of international and Kazakhstani experience. Main results of the study 1. Analysis of scientific works revealed various interpretations of this concept: some authors consider labour potential exclusively through the prism of professional and qualification characteristics of the workforce, while others consider it through the socio-economic potential of the territory's development, including infrastructure and institutional conditions. Based on this analysis, the author has developed his own interpretation of the concept of ‘labour potential of rural areas’. The results obtained in the course of the theoretical study have created a solid foundation for further analysis of the practical aspects of the formation and use of the labour potential of rural areas in Kazakhstan. In the future, they can be used to develop scientifically sound recommendations for improving state policy in the field of rural labour market development, upgrading the skills of the rural population and improving conditions for attracting young specialists to the agricultural sector. Thus, the in-depth theoretical analysis conducted in the dissertation research confirmed the relevance and significance of the problem under consideration. 2. The study made it possible to thoroughly examine the methods for assessing the development of the labour potential of rural areas under modern economic conditions and to develop a comprehensive methodology for its analysis, as well as to explore international experience in the effective use of rural labour resources. As part of the analysis of assessment methods, the key factors influencing the formation and utilisation of labour potential were identified and systematically classified. 3. The study of foreign experience showed that developed countries pay special attention to the multifactorial development of labour potential in rural areas. The main areas of focus include: – the development of farms and family farms. In the EU, the US and Canada, family farms are actively supported, as they provide employment for the rural population, contribute to the preservation of traditional lifestyles and the sustainable development of the agricultural sector; – the cooperative movement. The organisation of agricultural cooperatives not only helps to increase the competitiveness of rural producers, but also creates additional jobs, improves working conditions and increases the income of the rural population; – financial support for the agricultural sector. In countries with developed agricultural economies, lending, subsidisation and tax relief mechanisms for farmers are widely used, which contributes to the modernisation of agriculture and attracts young people to the agricultural sector. Based on research into international experience, new approaches to developing the labour potential of rural areas in Kazakhstan through organic farming are proposed. These are based on the Youth EcoFarm initiative, which takes into account the specific characteristics of the country's agriculture, the needs of young farmers and the principles of sustainable development in rural areas. 4. A heat map of the rural areas of Kostanay, Akmola, North Kazakhstan, and Pavlodar regions was developed using the method of bringing indicators to a comparable form. The results obtained can serve as a basis for adjusting regional policies in the field of sustainable development of rural labour potential and for designing targeted support strategies for the most vulnerable regions. Grading regions into groups with high, medium and low staffing needs made it possible to identify priority areas for staffing policy. In line with the identified characteristics, targeted recommendations were proposed for each type of region, aimed at reducing imbalances in labour supply. The implementation of these recommendations contributes to the more effective development of rural areas and the strengthening of their labour potential. 5. Demographic and migration processes, the level of technological development and digitalisation, the volume of gross agricultural output, social indicators, investments in fixed capital, lending, R&D expenditures, as well as housing provision, infrastructure development, and environmental aspects are significant factors determining the dynamics of labour potential. 6. Trends in the formation of agricultural enterprises have revealed their significant impact on the development of the labour potential of rural areas. As a result of the study, a diagram of the interrelationship and interdependence of agricultural formations and labour potential was developed. This diagram can serve as a basis for developing effective measures to stimulate employment, rational distribution of labour resources, and sustainable development of rural areas. 7. A comparative analysis of the evolution of the Concept for the Development of Rural Areas of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023–2027 and its previous editions revealed the strengths and weaknesses of previously implemented strategies. Based on an analysis of government programmes and projects, untapped opportunities have been identified that can be used to further develop the labour potential of rural areas. As a result, recommendations have been made to improve government policy aimed at creating a sustainable support system for the rural population and the effective development of the agricultural sector. 8. The interrelationship between the model's indicators for the main blocks confirms that a comprehensive approach to rural development can create sustainable conditions for the formation and effective use of labour potential. Long-term forecasts of labour potential indicators, based on this model, allow for the development of recommendations for its effective development and improvement in rural areas. 9. The development of agricultural enterprises contributes to strengthening the labour potential of rural areas, especially given the introduction of new approaches focused on rural youth. Scientific novelty and significance. The results and conclusions obtained, which are scientifically novel and related to the development of the labour potential in rural areas, are as follows: 1. The key characteristics of the concepts “labour potential” and “rural areas” have been examined. On this basis, an original definition of the term “labour potential of rural areas,” reflecting its specific features, has been developed. 2. Using the proposed methodology, a comprehensive assessment of the development of the labour potential of rural areas has been conducted. Four interrelated modules have been identified, each evaluating the level of labour potential development in rural areas, taking into account the influence of relevant factors. 3. An analysis and assessment of the labour potential of rural areas in Kazakhstan have been carried out, and the main factors determining its development have been identified. Based on the comprehensive assessment, a heat map and a regional classification by staffing needs have been developed. An integral analysis has been performed, revealing the state and dynamics of the key indicators. Trends in the development of agricultural enterprises and their relationship with the formation of labour potential have been identified. 4. An economic and mathematical model for the development of the labour potential of rural areas of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been developed using multifactor analysis, and forecast calculations for the key factors determining its dynamics have been conducted. 5. Scientifically grounded practical recommendations have been proposed to improve agricultural policy aimed at developing the labour potential of rural areas in Kazakhstan, and measures to enhance its activation have been formulated, taking into account international best practices. The recommendations and proposals presented in the research work contribute to the development of the labour potential of rural areas of Kazakhstan. The main findings and conclusions of the dissertation can be used by state and public organisations involved in the formation and implementation of state policy to improve the efficiency of labour potential in rural areas, both nationally and regionally. In addition, the recommendations of the research work can be applied in peasant (farmer) households and other agricultural enterprises. Тhe practical significance and direction of the work are determined by its comprehensive and systematic nature. This determines the possibility of using its main results in teaching economic and social disciplines. Compliance with state programmes. The dissertation research was carried out in accordance with regulatory and legal documents such as: the Concept for the Development of Rural Areas of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023–2027, the Concept for the Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2021–2030, the Concept for Migration Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2017–2021, and the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Concept for Migration Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2017–2021, among others. Approval and publication of research results. Twenty-one scientific papers have been published on the topic of the dissertation, presenting the main results and conclusions of the research. These include two articles in journals indexed in the international databases Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus. One of the articles in the Web of Science database is published in a journal ranked in the 35th percentile, and one article in the Scopus database is published in a journal ranked in the 98th percentile. Seven articles have also been published in scientific journals recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The results of the research were reflected in 12 materials presented at international scientific conferences, including 4 reports by the participant in the collection of the foreign conference «Achievements of Science – Agro-Industrial Production» (Chelyabinsk: South Ural State Agrarian University), Problems and Prospects of Development of Economy and Management (Sociosfera – CZ, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Economics in Prague), «Economics, Management and Law: Modern Approaches and Prospects» (Moscow: S.Y. Witte Moscow University), «Interdisciplinary Science Studies» (Dublin, Ireland), and 1 author's certificate. The results of the dissertation have been studied and implemented in the practical activities of the S.Y. Witte Moscow University of Economics, Astana International University, and the Turkestan Agricultural Production Cooperative. Of the 21 scientific articles published on the topic of the dissertation research, 8 were written and published by the author alone. In the remaining publications, the researcher acts as the first and corresponding author, which confirms his leading role in formulating scientific tasks, developing methodology, and interpreting the results obtained. The author's personal contribution consists of the independent organisation, planning and implementation of all stages of the research, analysis and synthesis of materials, preparation of scientific papers, as well as the presentation of results in various forms of testing.
Conclusion of the Research Ethics Committee
Defense of the dissertation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eosVXqjywvw
