This study investigates how sustainable development indicators are shaped in the context of Kazakhstan. The focus is on the interrelationships between economic growth, dependence on the mining sector, and foreign direct investment. In addition, the analysis pays special attention to the impact of the principles of the "green" taxonomy and changes in the ESG direction on these processes. Using annual time-series data, the analysis employs the augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test, Johansen cointegration methods, and long-run estimation methods, namely, fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS). The analysis showed that there is a long-term relationship between GDP, the level of mineral extraction, foreign direct investment and the SDG index. According to the results, economic growth and foreign investment contribute to improving sustainable development indicators, and this effect is statistically confirmed. Conversely, a significant share of the mining sector appears to be linked to an increase in the environmental burden associated with resource dependence, which has a negative impact in the long term. The absence of significant short-term causal relationships suggests that sustainable development indicators evolve through gradual structural and institutional changes rather than short-term fluctuations. These findings suggest that the sustainability of economic growth is influenced by its structural composition, with investment-led diversification and modernization enhancing playing a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals, while the expansion of the mining sector may hinder this. The study highlights the need and importance of aligning economic policies with the principles of the "green taxonomy", improving institutional frameworks, and promoting environmentally sustainable investments to support long-term sustainable development trajectories.
The article presents a technological solution for reconstructing the crest of the Lunyangwa embankment dam (Malawi). The necessity to rehabilitate the crest is due to the revision of the maximum flow parameters, as well as to an increase in the reservoir active storage. The study compares the requirements of Russian and international standards for dam structure categories and the choice of the estimated return period of floods.
This study examines the relationship between ESG governance maturity and market valuation in the context of Kazakhstan. The analysis is based on a balanced panel of 13 listed companies covering the period 2019-2024. Firm value was measured using Tobin's Q coefficient, and ESG maturity was assessed using a specific index that describes the extent to which environmental, social, and governance practices are institutionally embedded within an organization. The results of the fixed-effects model suggest that there is a positive relationship between the aggregate ESG score and a firm's market value, but it is not statistically significant. When considering the sectoral breakdown, a difference is observed: ESG maturity is positively and significantly associated with market valuation for companies in the financial sector, while no such relationship was found for the non-financial sector. No significant relationship was found between ESG maturity and return on equity (ROE). The results obtained show that the impact of ESG factors in the case of Kazakhstan is not equally visible in all sectors and that, at the present stage, its influence is mainly more pronounced in the financial sector.
Critical mineral supply chains underpin electric mobility, power electronics, clean hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV), the relational view, and dynamic capabilities, we conceptualize advantage not as ownership of ore bodies but as orchestration of multi-tier resource systems: upstream access, midstream processing know-how, standards and permits, and durable inter-organizational ties. In a world of high concentration at key stages (refining, separation, engineered materials), full "decoupling" is economically costly and technologically constraining. We argue for structured cooperation among the United States, European Union, China, and other producers and consumers, combined with selective domestic capability building for bona fide security needs. Methodologically, we conduct a structured conceptual synthesis integrating RBV, relational view, dynamic capabilities, and network-of-network research, combined with a structured comparative policy analysis of U.S./EU/Chinese instruments anchored in official documents. We operationalize the argument via technology-material dependency maps that identify midstream bottlenecks and the policy/standard levers most likely to expand qualified, compliant capacity.
The integration of digital literacy into educational systems has become a crucial factor in developing computational thinking (CT) skills among students. The review examines a range of methodological frameworks, national policies, and digital tools contributing to CT development. Findings reveal a strong interdependence between digital literacy and computational thinking: students with higher digital competence exhibit up to 30 % better performance in problem-solving, logical reasoning, and algorithmic tasks. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain, including digital inequality, insufficient access to infrastructure, lack of teacher preparedness, and curriculum fragmentation. The paper explores successful international initiatives – such as the Bebras Challenge, CodeWeek, CS Unplugged, and ISTE standards – as scalable models of integration. It also outlines effective strategies such as gamification, project-based learning, and adaptive platforms. Policy recommendations include the adoption of national digital education strategies and professional development for educators. The study concludes that only a systemic, inclusive approach to digital literacy can ensure equitable access to computational thinking education worldwide.
