Author
Literature

CHAPTER 6. EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC POLICY

 

6.3 Social and economic consequences of public policy implementation


State policy is a system of measures aimed at regulating social and economic processes in order to achieve strategic national goals. The implementation of state policy has a significant impact on all spheres of society, shaping social standards, economic conditions and the quality of life of citizens.

Social consequences of state policy.

The implementation of the state policy in the social sphere is aimed at improving the standard of living of citizens. This is achieved through social support, health, education, and affordable housing programs. State reforms in these areas contribute to reducing poverty, increasing life expectancy and improving the overall well-being of the population. Social protection mechanisms, such as benefits for the poor, pensions, support programs for large families, and much more, play an important role in this process. For example, Kazakhstan has introduced a system of targeted social assistance (TSA) aimed at supporting low-income segments of the population and reducing poverty.

Educational policies affect the quality of human capital. Public investment in education contributes to improving the skills of the labor force, which, in turn, leads to an increase in labor productivity and competitiveness of the economy.

Key public policy measures in the field of education include:

- development of the preschool education system to increase the availability of education from an early age;

- introduction of compulsory secondary education and modernization of school programs;

- support for higher and professional education, including scholarship programs and grants;

- introduction of digital technologies in the educational process.

For example, «the Bolashak program» in Kazakhstan allows talented students to study abroad, which contributes to the development of national human resources.

Public health policy plays a crucial role in shaping the health of the nation. The development of the healthcare system, increased funding for medical institutions, introduction of modern technologies and preventive programs lead to a reduction in morbidity, an increase in life expectancy and an improvement in the quality of medical care.

Key public health policy measures:

- development of the system of compulsory health insurance (MHI) and its accessibility for all citizens;

- construction and modernization of medical institutions;

- to approve preventive programs and vaccination campaigns;

- support for medical research and development of the pharmaceutical sector.

For example, Kazakhstan has introduced a system of compulsory social health insurance (OSMI), which helps to increase the availability of medical care and improve health financing.

An effective social policy promotes the fair distribution of resources and the creation of equal opportunities for all citizens. Social protection programs, targeted support for the low-income segments of the population and progressive taxation are tools aimed at reducing the gap between rich and poor.

For example, Kazakhstan is implementing initiatives to reduce the gap between regions, such as the Auyl – El Besigi program aimed at rural development.

Economic consequences of public policy.

The state economic policy is aimed at creating favorable conditions for GDP growth, attracting investment and improving the competitiveness of the national economy. This includes supporting small and medium-sized businesses, modernizing industry, developing infrastructure, and digitalizing the economy. For example, a program of industrial and innovative development aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on the raw materials sector.

Employment policy includes measures to reduce the unemployment rate, create new jobs, and develop retraining and employment programs. For example, the state program «Enbek» in Kazakhstan promotes employment of young people and socially vulnerable groups of the population.

Government regulation of inflation and pricing policy has a direct impact on economic stability. Excessive inflation reduces the purchasing power of the population and leads to economic crises, while a balanced macroeconomic policy contributes to sustainable development. For example, measures taken by the National Bank of Kazakhstan to control inflation, including adjusting the key rate.

Tax policy is an important tool for redistributing national income and stimulating economic activity. Optimization of the tax burden on businesses contributes to the development of entrepreneurship, attracting investment and increasing employment.

The state policy on attracting investment affects the level of confidence in the country's economy on the part of foreign and domestic investors. For example, Kazakhstan has established the «Astana International Financial Center» (AIFC), which provides favorable conditions for investors.

Thus, the implementation of state policy has a significant impact on the social and economic processes in the country. Effective policies promote higher living standards, social stability, and economic development, while mistakes in public administration can lead to negative consequences. It is important that the development and implementation of public policies should be based on data analysis, strategic planning, and consideration of the interests of various sectors of society.