The role of education, human capital, and quality of life in regional development: Evidence from Kazakhstan

Unerbayeva R. Kozhirova S. Kenzhegulova G. Mukatay A. Abdykadyr T.
2025 LLC CPC Business Perspectives

Problems and Perspectives in Management
2025 #23 Issue 3 256 - 273 pp.

This study aims to assess the impact of key components of quality of life, including human capital, social accessibility, and industrial development, on effective territorial development management in Kazakhstan. The study uses an index approach, cluster and correlation analysis, and Markov transition models. The empirical dataset covers 17 regions of Kazakhstan over the period 2013–2023 and is based on official annual statistics, including indicators of education (number of students and teaching staff), employment, income, digital infrastructure, and industrial development. The Quality of Life Index (QLI) was calculated using normalized variables, followed by regional grouping and dynamic modeling. Results indicate that the highest QLI values in 2023 were recorded in Astana city (0.837), Mangystau (0.790), and Shymkent city (0.771), where educational coverage and academic staffing are significantly higher than in other regions. Correlation analysis reveals that industrial development (r = 0.493, p = 0.052) and educational potential (ρ = 0.491, p = 0.045) are positively associated with regional upward transitions in quality of life. Cluster analysis identified three stable groups of regions: with active social transformation (e.g., Mangystau, Kyzylorda), balanced growth (Karaganda, Pavlodar), and limited dynamics (Turkistan, East-Kazakhstan). Thus, regions with strong educational infrastructure and dynamic labor markets, such as the Mangystau region, Astana and Shymkent cities, consistently outperform in QLI. In contrast, structurally lagging regions, such as Turkistan and East Kazakhstan, exhibit limited social mobility and weak institutional support. Consequently, investment in human capital is essential for reducing regional disparities and promoting sustainable territorial development.

education management , human capital , quality of life , regional governance , regional inequality , social policy

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Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
International Science Complex, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of Finance, Faculty of Finance, University of International Business named after K. Sagadiyev, Kazakhstan
Department of Business, Kazakh-American Free University, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
International Science Complex
Department of Finance
Department of Business
Faculty of Business and Economics

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