Preview

Qainar Journal of Social Science

Advanced search

Human Capital Development and Transformation of Labor Resources in Kazakhstan

https://doi.org/10.58732/2958-7212-2025-4-82-101

Abstract

In the context of structural and demographic changes, accelerated digitalization, and increasing demands on the quality of the workforce, the analysis of labor resources is of key importance for the sustainable socio-economic development of Kazakhstan. The purpose of this article is to analyze the dynamics and structural transformation of the labor force in Kazakhstan with an emphasis on the development of human capital, changes in age, gender, educational, and sectoral employment structure. The methodological basis of the research consists of methods of comparative, structural, and economic-statistical analysis, as well as trend analysis, used to assess the dynamics of employment, unemployment, and qualitative characteristics of the workforce. The empirical base of the study is based on official data from the Bureau of National Statistics (2024), materials from sample surveys of the labor force, as well as regulatory documents in the field of employment and qualifications. The results of the study showed that in 2019-2024. The employment rate in the country remained at a high level (about 65%), while the unemployment rate remained stable in the range of 4.7-4.9%. The number of employees increased by almost 5%, while the share of workers with higher and technical education increased, which together account for more than 90% of employment. The prospects for further research are related to the development of models for forecasting the demand for competencies, evaluating the effectiveness of the National Qualifications System, and analyzing the impact of digital transformation on employment quality and labor productivity. 

About the Authors

S. A. Kaliyeva
Institute of Economics CS MSHE RK
Казахстан

Saule A. Kaliyeva, Doc. Sc. (Econ.), Chief Researcher

Almaty, Kazakhstan



S. R. Seisenbayeva
al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Казахстан

Saule R. Seisenbayeva, PhD student

Almaty, Kazakhstan



Sh. Е. Sherkhan
Institute of Economics CS MSHE RK
Казахстан

Shapagat Е. Sherkhan, Master Degree, Researcher

Almaty, Kazakhstan



References

1. Aliyeva, B. M., Mukhamedyarova, L. R., Markhayeva, B. A., Telagussova, E. O., & Ydyrys, Y. Zh. (2025). Analysis of employment policy effectiveness in Kazakhstan: Regional clustering approach. Eurasian Journal of Economic and Business Studies, 69(2), 141–157. https://doi.org/10.47703/ejebs.v69i2.508

2. Autor, D. (2015). Why are there still so many jobs? The history and future of workplace automation. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 29(3), 3–30. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.29.3.3

3. Becker, G. S. (1993). Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis, with special reference to education (3rd ed.). The University of Chicago Press. Bureau of National Statistics (2024). Labor and income: Employment and unemployment. Retrieved November 27, 2025, from https://stat.gov.kz/en/industries/labor-and-income/statempt-unempl

4. Freeman, R. B. (2007). The great doubling: The challenge of the new global labor market. Harvard University, Labor and Worklife Program.

5. Insebayeva, S., & Beyssembayev, S. (2023). Digital platform employment in Kazakhstan: Can new technologies solve old problems in the labor market? International Labor and WorkingClass History, 103, 62–80. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0147547923000200

6. Kaliyeva, S. A., Buitek, E. K., & Meldakhanova, M. K. (2020). Analysis of the youth labor market in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the context of global challenges. Economy: Strategy and Practice, 15(4), 81–88. https://doi.org/10.51176/JESP%2FISSUE_4_T7 (In Kazakh)

7. Kapeliushnikov, R. (2012). Russia’s human capital: What is its value? (Working Paper WP3/2012/06). National Research University Higher School of Economics.

8. Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2025). Demographic resilience as a strategic driver of development: Prospects for Kazakhstan (Discussion paper). Retrieved November 27, 2025, from https://kisi.kz/wpcontent/uploads/2025/11/demographic-resilience_eng_final_20_10.pdf

9. National Qualifications System (NQS). (2025). Retrieved November 27, 2025 from https://career.enbek.kz/ru/pages/about-nsk

10. Republic of Kazakhstan (2023, August 18). Order on approval of the rules for the development and approval of qualification programs, as well as requirements for them (No. 348). Retrieved November 27, 2025 from https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/V2300033317

11. Republic of Kazakhstan. (2016, April 6). Law on employment of the population (No. 482-V ZPK). Retrieved November 27, 2025 from https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z1600000482


Review

For citations:


Kaliyeva S.A., Seisenbayeva S.R., Sherkhan Sh.Е. Human Capital Development and Transformation of Labor Resources in Kazakhstan. Qainar Journal of Social Science. 2025;4(4):82-101. https://doi.org/10.58732/2958-7212-2025-4-82-101

Views: 84

JATS XML


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.


ISSN 2958-7212 (Print)
ISSN 2958-7220 (Online)