L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, a dissertation defense for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Sayabayev Kaisar Maksutovich on the topic Green tourism as a factor of an innovative approach to the development of the economic potential of rural areas (on the example of the Akmola region) by specialty «6D050600 – Economics».
The dissertation was carried out at the Department of «Economics» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.
The language of defense is russian
Official reviewers:
Zhanabayeva Zhanar Kairbekovna – Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Economics and Entrepreneurship at the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan).
Sadykov Zhasulan Amangeldyevich – PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Social Work and Tourism at Esil University (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan).
Temporary members of the Dissertation Council:
Ibragimov Nutfillo Salimovich – Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor of the Department of Economics and Tourism at Bukhara State University (Bukhara, Republic of Uzbekistan);
Mukanov Aidar Khamzeevich – PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Tourism at the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan);
Shayakhmetova Lilia Muslimovna – PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Economics and Business at Alikhan Bokeikhan University (Semey, Republic of Kazakhstan).
Scientific consultants:
Tireuov Kanat Maratovich – Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, Rector of the S.Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan);
Niyazbekova Shakizada Uteulievna – Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Banking and Monetary Regulation at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation (Moscow, Russian Federation).
The defense will take place on June 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Dissertation Council for the training direction «8D041 – Business and administration» in the specialty «6D050600 – Economics» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Conducting a meeting of the dissertation council in a mixed (offline and online) format.
Link: https://clck.ru/3MJX2i
Address: Astana, Kazhymukan str., 11, room 517 (ULC) of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Abstract (English):ANNOTATION of the dissertation work by Kaisar Maksutovich Sayabayev on the topic: “Green tourism as a factor of an innovative approach to the development of the economic potential of rural areas (on the example of the Akmola region)”, submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the specialty 6D050600 – “Economics” The aim of the dissertation research is to develop practical recommendations for strengthening the economic potential of rural areas of the Akmola region through the development of rural green tourism. To achieve this goal, the following tasks must be solved: - to reveal the conceptual foundations and substantive characteristics of sustainable development of rural areas as a scientific category; -to systematize existing methodological approaches to assessing the sustainable development of rural areas; -to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of the current economic situation of the rural areas of the Akmola region; -to conduct a critical analysis of adapted methods for assessing sustainable development, taking into account the specific conditions of the Akmola region; -to create an original methodology for a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of the concept of sustainable development of rural green tourism, taking into account the socio-economic and environmental parameters of the region; -to develop scientifically based proposals for optimizing the system of state regulation and support for the development of rural green tourism. The research methods are based on an interdisciplinary approach, combining a system of scientific methods of cognition: system-functional analysis, comparative studies, content analysis, and others. The principles of objectivity and determinism were consistently applied in the work. The research is based on methodologically proven approaches to the formation and development of various aspects of rural green tourism, supplemented by statistical data and analysis of the legal and regulatory framework of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In analyzing statistical data, information processing software tools — SPSS and Microsoft Excel — were used. Primary sources of information included statistical materials from the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the period from 2014 to 2023, as well as data posted on the official web resources of government bodies, including the website of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Information and Analytical Center, and other specialized portals. This comprehensive approach ensured reliable and substantiated conclusions for all aspects of the topic under consideration. Main provisions submitted for defense: 1. The refined concept of rural green tourism and its role in the sustainable development of rural areas, including the author's definition of this concept. 2. An integrated management model considering the development of green tourism as a system of interconnected regulatory influences. 3. A three-level economic-mathematical approach to assessing the effectiveness of sustainable rural development programs, which allows: - Comprehensive analysis of macro-, meso-, and micro-level indicators; - Accurate assessment of the effectiveness of implemented programs; - Forecasting their long-term impact. 4. A strategy for the development of rural green tourism as an integral component of the overall rural development strategy. Description of the main results of the study: 1. The concept of sustainable development of rural areas, which represents a multi-level strategy aimed at harmonizing economic interests, social needs, and environmental protection. According to a sociological survey covering 350 respondents among villagers, entrepreneurs, and tourists, 82% expressed a positive attitude towards the introduction of renewable energy sources (RES) into tourism infrastructure, which confirms a high level of social support for such initiatives. 2. International practice demonstrates the effectiveness of the synergy between green tourism and alternative energy in achieving the goals of sustainable development of rural areas. The successful implementation of the “Eco-Aul” project in the Akkol district, based on the use of solar panels and wind generators, showed a significant reduction in energy supply costs and improvement of environmental indicators. 3. As a result of a comprehensive analysis of the natural and resource potential of the Akmola region, favorable conditions for the development of green tourism using RES have been established. The region has a high level of insolation, stable wind flows, and diverse natural landscapes, creating a foundation for the successful implementation of ecologically sustainable tourism projects. 4. The proposed model for managing the development of green tourism using RES is structured according to a three-level principle. At the macro level, the emphasis is on the development of state policy and program support. The meso level includes the formation of regional energy-tourism clusters. At the micro level, the launch of specific projects based on rural tourism facilities is envisaged. 5. The economic assessment showed the profitability of implementing RES in the tourism sector. The payback period of solar power plants averages 4–6 years. One implemented project creates 8–12 new activities for villagers and contributes to a 30–35% increase in their income. 6. Key strategic development directions of green tourism with RES include: construction of hybrid installations, training personnel in eco-technologies, as well as the development and implementation of a system of ecological tourism standards in accordance with international requirements. 7. State support should rely on a system of incentive measures, including tax benefits, subsidies for the purchase of RES equipment, as well as a simplified procedure for connecting facilities to the power grid. 8. The implementation plan for the proposed initiatives involves a phased approach: in the first stage – 10 demonstration facilities; in the second – scaling up successful practices to 25 facilities; in the third – the formation of sustainable eco-tourism clusters. 9. Successful strategy implementation requires active interaction between government bodies, the local population, business, and the expert community. Special importance is given to environmental education and training of professional personnel. According to the survey results, there is a clear demand for educational programs aimed at developing environmental and energy literacy. 10. It is forecasted that the development of green tourism based on RES will lead to a reduction in pollutant emissions, increased investment in rural infrastructure, and the creation of new jobs. An increase in tourist flow is also expected, especially from environmentally conscious travelers. 11. Among the most important recommendations are the need to create a specialized regional fund to support green tourism, implement preferential lending programs, open training and consulting centers, introduce a voluntary environmental certification system, and develop international partnerships. Justification of the novelty and significance of the obtained results. Result 1. For the first time, a comprehensive differentiation of the conceptual framework of tourism activities has been carried out, clearly distinguishing such related concepts as rural, green, ethnic, agro-, and ecotourism. Based on this, the author developed a definition of the term “rural green tourism” (RGT) reflecting its specific characteristics. Result 2. The concept of public-private partnership in the field of green tourism has been substantiated, providing for optimal risk distribution: the state assumes market risks within established limits, while private investors bear responsibility for project risks. This model is developed taking into account the specifics of the Kazakhstani tourism market. Result 3. A unique empirical study was conducted among owners of rural estates and farms, which made it possible to identify key problems in the development of RGT. Based on the obtained data, a standard project “Organization of a tourist base” was developed, which has practical significance for the industry. Result 4. A set of factors has been identified and quantitatively assessed, demonstrating the impact of green tourism on the economic growth of rural areas in the Akmola region. Particular attention was paid to the analysis of infrastructure changes caused by the development of environmentally oriented tourism. Result 5. An original economic-mathematical toolkit was developed for a comprehensive assessment of the social, economic, and environmental efficiency of RGT, tested on the example of the Akkol district. The methodology allows multifactor analysis at various management levels. Result 6. A critical analysis of the current state of rural tourism in the region was conducted, revealing systemic problems: inefficiency of government regulation mechanisms, insufficient infrastructure, and limited range of tourist services. Result 7. An innovative strategic management model has been proposed, aimed at strengthening the economic potential of rural areas through the development of green tourism. The model includes promising directions of sustainable growth, implementation mechanisms, long-term planning tools, and a system of balanced indicators. Result 8. The concept of “co-op farms” (cooperative enterprises) has been introduced into scientific circulation as a new organizational form combining agricultural and tourism activities. The advantages of this model for the multifunctional development of rural areas have been substantiated. Result 9. Based on SWOT-analysis, a forward-looking development strategy has been developed, including a set of government support measures aimed at enhancing the economic potential of rural areas of the Akmola region through the systematic development of ecotourism. Compliance with the directions of scientific development or state programs. The dissertation research was carried out within the framework of regulatory documents such as: the Sustainable Development Goals, the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Law “On Tourism Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, the Concept for the Development of the Tourism Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2020, the State Program for the Development of the Territories of the Akmola Region for 2021–2025, the Concept for the Development of Rural Territories 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, and others. Description of the applicant’s contribution to the preparation of each publication. The main provisions and conclusions submitted for defense were reflected in the practical results of the dissertation research, which were tested and presented in 20 publications by the author, including: - 7 articles in journals recommended by the Committee for Control in the Field of Education and Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan; - 2 publications in journals with an impact factor; - 1 article in a Scopus journal: "Finance, franchise and their impact on tourism" (Canada, 2016); - 2 works in Analytics Clarivate journals: "Innovative approach in providing the Japanese zone of Astana" (Kazakhstan, 2018) and "Economic substantiation of creation of a modern rural tourist base of rest" (2019). Of the 20 scientific articles published on the topic of the dissertation, 4 were published solely by the author. In the remaining articles, the author acted as the first and corresponding author. The applicant’s personal contribution is expressed in the independent organization and implementation of all stages of the research, preparation of publications based on the results of the research, and testing in other forms.
Conclusion of the Research Ethics Committee
Defense of the dissertation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POC7uz_rpyc
