This study aims is to explore of the theoretical concepts of regional imbalances and spatial inequality, analysis of spatial distribution of economic growth and identifying of “growth poles” for sustainable development in the regions of Kazakhstan. Based on the theoretical views, we conclude that the key direction of regional policy is the search and development of “growth poles”, which will distribute their potential equally to backward regions. The authors propose the methodological tools for presenting a standard form of evaluation of spatial distribution and inequality of the regions of Kazakhstan. This study confirms the importance of using of proposed methods and its application for objectively and realistically defines “growth poles” for sustainable development. Further, the obtained results showed the distribution of Kazakhstan's regions by economic growth and specialization with using modified index of KDI. According to the results of this theoretical and empirical study proved that distribution of the regions of Kazakhstan and results of KDI indexes shows that the spatial differentiation of economic development, but its level and dynamics are different in different respects. In addition, according to the conducted survey, we conclude that one of the most important tasks is sustainable growth based on “growth poles” for sustainable development.

This research is devoted to the development of methods general and standard methodological approaches and approbation those for the evaluation of economic potential and level of concentration of the regions of Kazakhstan. This paper presents the results of development of the authors on the selection and justification of the methodological approaches for quantitative evaluation of the economic potential (the degree of territorial differentiation of the profile) and concentration of regions. In this study, we used scientific methods: method of analysis the main trends of economic development, and method of evaluation of concentration of the region. Based on the analysis of foreign techniques developed and tested methodical approaches to the assessment of the economic potential (index and coefficient methods). Proposed methodological approaches to the assessment profile of the territory and developed a system of indicators, which includes an aggregated index of spatial concentration, which accurately reflects the concentration of production in the region. This study shows the results of the analysis of the potential regional disparities and trends of economic development of Kazakhstan. By using, the proposed methodology shows the possibility of their use; we calculated the indicators of integrated assessment of the economic potential and indicators of spatial concentration.

The aim of the study is to assess the asymmetry of influence of factors of economic growth of national economies, which are included in the integration. Unlike previous research, the scientific significance of the obtained results consists in the use of a new method of study – external demand as a factor of economic growth, disaggregated into two components. The first is net exports mutual trade in goods within integration associations. The second is net exports of foreign trade in goods outside the integration. By use of these methods we have evaluated the contribution of these factors on economic growth of the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space (CU/CES), as well as Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. In the conducted analysis of scientific research was based on the fact that the economies of the member (CU/CES) are very different in scale, economic potential and volume of foreign trade. Based on this research we conclude: integration is developing successfully and efficiently only with the rise of the national economies of the member countries; to enhance economic growth and competitiveness of the countries of the Eurasian integration it is necessary to increase the volume of mutual trade of member countries of this integration.

The aim of this study is theoretical and methodological justification of formation of a new policy of spatial development of Kazakhstan's economy, which is based on the principles of inclusiveness and smart specialization. Unlike previous research, the scientific significance of the obtained results consists in the conceptual justification of the basic theoretical concepts; spatial development, covering issues of concentration, specialization, and location of production. In this study, we used scientific methods: conceptual approach involves studying various concepts of spatial development on the principle of inclusive growth and smart specialization; economic analysis allows conducting a brief assessment of the economic status of regions for a certain period; structured approach involves to the formation of new policy of spatial development. Based on this research we conclude that most successful regions have formed based on principles of inclusiveness and smart specialization, which increases opportunities for well-functioning synergistic mechanism in the field of advanced technologies with subsequent access to global markets.

The aim of this study is to examine of the cluster approach to ensure high rates of innovation, information and communication enterprises of information technology cluster in order to enhance the competitiveness of regions. Keeping with the previous literature, the present research determined that the novelty of the problem, concerning of the creation IT clusters as drivers of new generation, i.e. a kind of platform of "startup accelerators" through the creation of previously not existing in the country high-tech industries and sectors of the economy. The study employs system approach involves to determine prospective directions of the formation of clusters of IT industry, also applies structured approach to shows relationships between elements of cluster systems (participants of cluster), as well as focusing on some aspects of cluster development such as networking. Based on this analysis we have proposed to create clusters in regions, which can play the role of translator’s innovations at the periphery of the country. This research shows that formation of IT clusters is one of the most successful tools to avoid of dependence of Kazakhstan from raw materials.

Purpose - This study analyzed the characteristics of social networking sites (SNSs) using related literatures, and researched the models discussed in precedent studies, to investigate the effects of SNS characteristics upon consumers’awareness, purchase intention, and recommendation. The purpose of the study was to investigate the use of SNSs as a marketing tool. Design, methodology, and approach - For an empirical analysis, the author distributed questionnaires online and offline, to verify the models and hypotheses. Respondents were persons aged 17 or older, who were frequent users of SNSs. The questionnaire survey was conducted for 11 days from September 30, 2013 to October 10, 2013. The author distributed 450 copies and received 430 responses. Finally, 412 copies were used for the analysis after excluding 18 copies having poor answers. Results – The findings about SNS users' behavior could be used as material in the future use of SNS as a marketing tool. Further, the study provided not only theories about SNS characteristics, but also variables and items that were verified during the empirical study. Conclusions – Further studies are needed to overcome the limitations and to establish various kinds of SNS marketing strategies in detail.

The aim of this research is theoretical and methodological approaches to the necessity of formation of innovation clusters as growth poles on the basis of statistical analysis and identification of specialization. In this research, we used methods, which will allow to analyze of innovative processes and to identify of prospective branches of specialization of the formation of innovative clusters in the spatial context. Keeping with the previous literature, the present study is determined by the novelty of the problem, concerning the formation and development of innovative clusters as growth poles, as well as large specifics of problems in our country in the framework of use of innovative clusters. An analysis was showed that Kazakhstan’s regions have substantial differences in the groups of regions for most of the indicators have presented form a tightly located clusters and in the ratings of innovative susceptibility and innovative activity. This research has some practical implications, which have proved that innovative clusters become platforms as growth poles for introduction of advanced technologies, development of innovative companies, thereby providing a certain stability of the economy of the regions.