Digital transformation impact on strategic planning effectiveness for the national economic development in Kazakhstan

Economic Annals-XXI: Volume 214, Issue (3-4), Pages: 27-37

Citation information
Kanabekova, M., Issaeva, A., Kupenova, Zh., Mukhit, A., & Oralbayeva, Zh. (2025). Digital transformation impact on strategic planning effectiveness for the national economic development in Kazakhstan. Economic Annals-XXI, 214(3-4), 27-37. doi:  https://doi.org/10.21003/ea.V214-05

Meruyert Kanabekova
PhD (Economics),
Associate Professor,
Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
13 Dostyk Ave., Almaty, 050010, Republic of Kazakhstan
Kma.2372@mail.ru
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2392-0136

Ainur Issaeva
PhD (Economics),
Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
13 Dostyk Ave., Almaty, 050010, Republic of Kazakhstan
Issaeva_ainur@mail.ru
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8907-8634
Corresponding author

Zhuldyz Kupenova
MA (Social Sciences),
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
71 Al-Farabi Ave., Almaty, 050040, Republic of Kazakhstan
Kupenova.zhuldyz@gmail.com
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7496-3211

Amantay Mukhit
PhD Student (Economics),
Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
13 Dostyk Ave., Almaty, 050010, Republic of Kazakhstan
tompx010@gmail.com
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9128-7330

Zhanar Oralbayeva
PhD (Economics),
Associate Professor,
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
71 Al-Farabi Ave., Almaty, 050040, Republic of Kazakhstan
oralbaeva_zhanar@mail.ru
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0817-5756

Digital transformation impact on strategic planning effectiveness for the national economic development in Kazakhstan

Abstract. Introduction: The study examines the impact of digital transformation on strategic planning processes within Kazakhstan’s national economy development, addressing critical gaps in understanding digitalization effects on governance effectiveness in emerging economies. The research investigates institutional reforms, technological infrastructure deployment, and performance metrics during 2017-2023, analyzing how digital technologies reshape strategic planning capabilities and contribute to evidence-based policy formulation.

Methods: A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative analysis of secondary data from national statistics bureaus, international development indices (UN E-Government Survey, World Bank, International Telecommunication Union), and digital platform analytics with qualitative assessment of strategic planning documents and policy frameworks. The empirical analysis utilized difference-in-differences estimation comparing digital transformation pilot cities versus matched control cities, alongside correlation and regression analysis examining relationships between digital infrastructure investment intensity and planning performance metrics. The sample comprised 284 cities with complete data covering the 2017-2023 period.

Results: Kazakhstan advanced from 39^th to 24^th position globally in the UN E-Government Development Index (2018-2024), with digital service accessibility expanding to 92% of government offerings and registered users increasing by 111%. IT services exports grew 58.4% annually reaching USD 529 million in 2023. Strategic planning effectiveness improved substantially: policy development time decreased 47.9%, inter-agency data exchange expanded 508.1%, and strategic goal achievement rates increased by 22.4 percentage points. Telecommunications infrastructure improved by 23 positions, with mobile broadband penetration reaching 97.2% and fixed broadband subscriptions increasing 58.3%.

Discussion: The findings demonstrate that systematic digitalization significantly enhances government effectiveness through multiple mechanisms: process automation reducing administrative burdens, real-time monitoring enabling adaptive management, integrated information systems supporting comprehensive situational awareness, and analytics capabilities strengthening evidence-based decision-making. However, persistent challenges including regional digital divide, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and institutional capacity constraints require sustained attention. The research validates that digitalized strategic planning enhances responsiveness to economic fluctuations and facilitates cross-sectoral coordination in emerging economy contexts.

Scientific Novelty: This study provides original empirical evidence of digital transformation’s multidimensional impacts on strategic planning within an emerging economy framework, developing an integrated analytical framework linking digital infrastructure deployment, institutional reforms, and performance metrics. The research addresses existing gaps in literature through longitudinal analysis and comprehensive assessment of digitalization sustainability in national economic planning systems.

Practical Implications: The research offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers in emerging economies pursuing digital transformation initiatives, emphasizing the necessity of combining infrastructure investment with institutional reforms and capacity building. Findings inform strategic approaches to digital divide mitigation, cybersecurity framework development, and stakeholder engagement enhancement. The study provides benchmarking insights for countries at similar development stages seeking to modernize strategic planning systems.

Keywords: Digital Transformation; Strategic Planning; National Economy; E-Government; Kazakhstan; Economic Development; Digitalization; Governance Effectiveness

JEL Classification: O33; O38; H11; H83; L86

Acknowledgements and Funding: This research is funded by Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University (Contract No. 05-04/250 dated April 3, 2025).

Contribution: The authors contributed equally to this work.

Data Availability Statement: The dataset is available from the authors upon request.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21003/ea.V214-05

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Received 17.01.2025
Received in revised form 4.02.2025
Accepted 24.02.2025
Available online 29.04.2025