Innovation and Digitalization in Kazakhstan's Mining Sector: Challenges and Prospects
Abstract
The study critically analyzes the innovation challenges faced by mining enterprises in Kazakhstan, focusing on key issues and potential opportunities related to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. The research highlights that the strategic goal of Kazakhstan's mining sector is its integration into the global economy through digitalization, which aims to address the sector’s limited production of high-value goods. Despite the potential of digital transformation, the current level of digitalization across enterprises remains insufficient, requiring more structured implementation of engineering and economic processes. A statistical analysis using PESTEL, regression, and factor analysis, alongside a questionnaire survey, revealed low capital productivity as a major issue. The findings suggest that the complexity of mining operations necessitates improved innovation strategies tailored to specific resource extraction conditions. Furthermore, the digitalization focus is gradually shifting from production to areas like geology, ecology, and industrial safety. Digitalization has resulted in a 15% increase in productivity and efficiency. The study offers a framework for evaluating mining enterprises against international standards and serves as a valuable reference for both domestic and international investors interested in the evolving IT landscape of Kazakhstan's mining sector.