Regional policy is an activity of the state aimed at managing the economic, social and environmental development of the country in spatial and territorial aspects. It reflects the balance of interests between the central government and the regions, as well as coordinates interaction between the regions themselves. In the context of Kazakhstan, regional policy has a number of specific features due to geographical, demographic and economic factors.

The main factors, determining the importance of regional policy in Kazakhstan include the following:

- wide area and natural conditions. Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, which creates significant challenges in ensuring the uniform development of territories, transport accessibility and infrastructure provision;

- uneven economic development of the regions. The strong concentration of economic activity in large cities (Astana, Almaty, Shymkent) contrasts with the low level of development in rural and peripheral areas, especially in the south and west of the country.

- demographic imbalances and migration processes. Kazakhstan faces depopulation in a number of northern and eastern regions, while the southern regions show population growth, which creates an additional burden on social infrastructure. Internal migration from rural areas to cities leads to the formation of uneven population distribution and problems of urbanization;

- ethnocultural and social diversity. More than 100 ethnic groups live in Kazakhstan, which requires taking into account regional differences in socio-economic policy and the policy of interethnic harmony;

- esoteric tension. Some regions of the country, such as the Aral Sea region, East Kazakhstan (the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site area) and industrial centers, face serious environmental problems that require special state regulation;

- the role of regions in international economic cooperation. Kazakhstan participates in integration processes (EAEU, SCO, OIC), as well as actively develops cross-border cooperation, which affects the specifics of the economic development of individual regions.

There are certain principles of effective state regional policy that are also applicable for Kazakhstan:

Reliance on the self-organization of society, rather than directive management.

Regional policies should be based on encouraging the initiative of local communities and their coordination, rather than imposing centralized solutions. The key task is to develop infrastructure (including transport, digital, and social) to ensure rapid and efficient circulation of information, resources, and opportunities between regions.

Correction of market imbalances.

The market, being profit-oriented, does not always ensure the uniform development of territories, increasing social and economic gaps. The state should mitigate the negative effects of market processes by eliminating excessive imbalances and creating conditions for the development of all regions. This is especially true in Kazakhstan, where significant differences between urbanized and rural areas can lead to social instability.

Priority of social policy over economic pragmatism.

The main goal of regional policy is to improve the well-being of citizens, and not just the growth of economic indicators. Business is involved in the economy, and the state must ensure a sustainable social environment, including access to education, medicine, housing and other important services.

Equality of citizens in unequal conditions.

Territorial development requires a reasonable reallocation of resources. As in road construction, more resources are directed to where there are holes and potholes. However, full alignment is not possible and undesirable: regions must retain incentives for independent development, and excessive support can turn them into dependents. It is important to find a balance between supporting weak territories and avoiding excessive resource withdrawal from more developed regions.

Accounting for regional diversity.

Kazakhstan is a country with different natural and climatic, economic and demographic conditions. Unified approaches are not always effective. For example, for sparsely populated areas of western and northern Kazakhstan, special criteria should apply for infrastructure development and placement of social facilities.

A compromise between the support of the population and territories.

It is important to find a balance between stimulating the development of territories and supporting the mobility of the population. Kazakhstan needs to avoid extremes: not allow complete depopulation of individual regions, but also not spend excessive funds on their artificial maintenance. In world practice, preference is given to the strategy of «work to people», rather than «people to work», that is, creating jobs in places where the population is densely populated.

Regions as objects of policy, not independent entities.

The administrative division of a country is a management tool, not a reflection of deep social differences. In a unitary Kazakhstan, it is important to avoid excessive politicization of regional governance, and instead focus on effective administration and coordination of economic development.

The principle of subsidiarity.

Problems should be solved at the lowest level of government, as close to the population as possible. This means strengthening local self-government and empowering local communities. At the same time, centralization should be applied only where it is necessary.

Differentiation of economic, political, and cultural policy objectives.

In Kazakhstan, it is necessary to separate the economic (territorial development), political (distribution of powers between the center and regions) and cultural (preservation of national diversity) components of regional policy. Mixing them together can lead to inefficient solutions.

Institutional and financial support of regional policy.

The state regional policy should be not only a concept, but also an instrumentally provided system, including legislative acts, specialized institutions and financing. Insufficient funding and lack of a clear implementation mechanism often turn regional initiatives into declarative statements.

The «do no harm» principle.

Government intervention should be careful and balanced. Despite the reduction of the direct influence of the state on the economy, it remains a key actor in territorial development. Any measures should be aimed exclusively at improving conditions for citizens, without excessive administrative pressure and regulation.

Subjects of regional policy – are institutions, organizations, and groups that form and implement regional development strategies. In Kazakhstan, the main subjects are:

Government agencies:

- The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which develops strategic documents and regional development programs;

- The Ministry of National Economy responsible for territorial planning and regional development;

- Ministries and departments that influence the development of individual industries in the regions;

- akimats of regions, cities and districts that directly implement regional policy.

Local self-government bodies:

- maslikhats that have legislative functions at the local level;

- public councils that participate in the discussion of regional initiatives and projects.

Private sector and business community:

- National Chamber of Entrepreneurs «Atameken»;

- small and international companies investing in the regions;

- small and medium-sized businesses that play an important role in the development of the regional economy.

Civil society and international organizations:

- non-governmental organizations working in the field of ecology, social support, and human rights;

- International organizations and donors providing technical and financial assistance (UN, World Bank, etc.).

The objects of regional policy are territories and their populations that are subject to development measures. The main objects include:

Administrative divisions:

- states, cities of national significance (Astana, Almaty, Shymkent), districts;

- rural localities that need special attention due to population outflow and lack of infrastructure.

Economic zones and clusters:

- special economic zones (SEZs) and industrial zones that encourage investment;

- regional clusters developing in the fields of industry, agriculture, and tourism.

Socio-economic groups of the population:

- vulnerable categories (large families, young people, pensioners);

- labor force and entrepreneurs whose interests affect the development of regions;

Natural resource areas:

- mining areas, ecosystems that require protection and sustainable management;

- agricultural land of strategic importance for food security.

Thus, the regional policy of Kazakhstan is a complex system in which various subjects and objects interact. Effective territorial development management requires coordination between government agencies, businesses, and civil society. The most important task remains to equalize the disparities in regional development, improve the living conditions of the population and attract investment for sustainable economic growth.