Integrated Economic Dynamics, Business Activity and Income Stability in Urban Kazakhstan
https://doi.org/10.47703/2789-8253-2026-2-5-23
Abstract
The discrepancy between economic growth and the population’s income level is becoming one of the key problems in the development of urban economies, as the expansion of production and business does not lead to an improvement in living standards.
The purpose of the study is to identify the causes of uneven income growth across Kazakhstan’s cities and to determine the economic conditions that ensure their sustainable dynamics.
The research methodology is based on a comprehensive analysis of indicator dynamics using an indicator system, calculation of relative changes, inter-city comparative analysis, and typologization based on thresholds. The empirical basis of the study was official statistical data for 17 cities of Kazakhstan for the period 2016–2024, including indicators of wages, employment, gross regional product, retail turnover, and population. The results showed significant differences in economic dynamics between cities. The highest values of the integral IED index were recorded in Astana (TotalMean = 44.98), Uralsk (23.67) and Shymkent (22.98), while negative values prevail in Karaganda (−11.71), Taraz (−9.77) and Kokshetau (−6.59). It has been established that steady income growth is driven mainly by cities with a developed labor market and an active consumer market, whereas output growth alone does not guarantee an increase in population well-being.
The results confirm that the key factor in sustainable income growth is not the scale of economic activity, but the degree of its integration with employment and domestic demand.
About the Authors
M. K. Shakibayev
K.Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Maxat K. Shakibayev, PhD student
Aktobe
M. Khopabayev
Caspian University of Technology and Engineering named after S.Yessenov
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Madiyar Khopabayev, Cand. Sc. (Econ.), Associate Professor
Aktau
S. A. Rakhimova
Astana International University
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Saule A. Rakhimova, Cand. Sc. (Econ.), Professor
Astana
A. A. Maukenova
S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Altynay A. Maukenova, Cand. Sc. (Econ.), Associate Professor
Almaty
G. K. Bekbussinova
Kazakh University of Technology and Business named after
K.Kulazhanov
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Gulnafiz K. Bekbussinova, Cand. Sc. (Econ.), Assistant Professor
Astana
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For citations:
Shakibayev M.K., Khopabayev M., Rakhimova S.A., Maukenova A.A., Bekbussinova G.K. Integrated Economic Dynamics, Business Activity and Income Stability in Urban Kazakhstan. Eurasian Journal of Economic and Business Studies. 2026;70(2):5-23. https://doi.org/10.47703/2789-8253-2026-2-5-23
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