Spatial Zoning of Agrotechnological Hubs in Kazakhstan: Developing a Methodological Framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47703/ejebs.v69i3.539Keywords:
Agrotechnology, Agrohub, Agricultural Economy, Innovation, Spatial Zoning, Region, Regional DevelopmentAbstract
The development of Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex requires the search for practical tools for the territorial location of innovation infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for spatial zoning of agro-technological hubs in Kazakhstan based on quantitative assessment of innovation and agricultural potential of regions. The study uses microdata from World Bank Enterprise Surveys for 2024 on the formal agroindustrial sector and related industries, including processing, production, agricultural machinery and services. Using ten indicators normalised using the min–max method and aggregated with equal weights, it was constructed integral indicators such as the Innovation Potential Index (IPI) and the Agricultural Production Potential Index (API). The average values for these indices vary from IPI=0.052 to API=0.240 for the least developed regions and IPI=0.231 to API=0.413 for the most developed ones. The results showed that areas with high potential require consolidation of hubs, development of applied research, and development; territories with medium potential need technology transfer mechanisms, management practices; and regions with low potential need basic competencies formation, digitalization and modernization of infrastructure. The method is replicable and transportable to future WBES waves; limitations include the focus on the formal sector (WBES does not cover primary farms and informal units), as well as the cross-sectional design. Overall, the methodology can be used to monitor the dynamics of regional development and inform strategic adaptation, and it can be applied to future waves of WBES and other countries' industries.
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