Kazakhstani Enterprises in Transition. The Role of Historical Regional Development in Kazakhstan‘s Post-Soviet Economic Transformation

The findings of this study illustrate how the process of post-Soviet economic transition engenders, among others, significant spatial industrial restructuring. In addition to well-known changes in the characteristics of individual enterprises, these spatial aspects of restructuring can be key determinants of a firm‘s performance. Moreover, the effects of spatial restructuring appear as influencing both industry-specific and location-specific characteristics of firms. A number of previous studies have discussed overall economic structural changes in Kazakhstan, but only few highlight the regional-industrial perspective. A focus on regional issues is particularly relevant in this case, since Kazakhstani economic development was uneven and industrial activities are concentrated in certain geographical areas. The present study contributes to the existing literature through its perspective on regional development, at the industrial level. This is the first comprehensive analysis of regional industrial development in Kazakhstan based on research into individual firms. The study fills a gap by way analysing trends of industrial location in Kazakhstan in connection with characteristics of particular enterprises – factors the consideration of which should play a prominent role in the formulation of future regional and managerial policies.