THE ROLE OF THE DIGITAL PLATFORM ECONOMY IN TRANSFORMING REGIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

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Published: 2026-06-30
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46281/bjmsr.v11i3.2902
Keywords:
Digital Platform, Entrepreneurship, Digitalization, Employment, Mobile Payments, E-Commerce, Sustainable Development

Main Article Content

Dina Utebaliyeva
PhD Student, School of Economics, Yessenov University, Aktau, Kazakhstan
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0636-5487
Galiya Bermukhamedova
Associate Professor, School of Economics, Yessenov University, Aktau, Kazakhstan
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3420-4979
Yerzhan Beisengaliyev
PhD, School of Economics, Esil University, Astana, Kazakhstan
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7431-6901
Gakku Tansykbayeva
PhD Student, School of Economics, Esil University, Astana, Kazakhstan
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0032-0747
Assiya Turekulova
Associate Professor, School of Economics, Esil University, Astana, Kazakhstan
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6097-593X

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital platforms, financial technologies, mobile payments, and e-commerce has transformed entrepreneurship, employment, and regional economic development. As digitalization accelerates, understanding how platform economies contribute to sustainable development has become increasingly important, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to economic growth, innovation, and decent work. This study investigates the impact of digital platforms and digital financial technologies on regional entrepreneurship and employment in Kazakhstan and evaluates their contribution to sustainable development. The study employs annual time-series data for Kazakhstan covering the period 2014–2025, using indicators of internet penetration, digital literacy, cashless payments, mobile and QR payments, e-commerce, digital government services, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) activity. The methodological framework integrates economic-statistical analysis, comparative analysis, correlation and regression analysis, and the construction of an Integrated Digitalization Index (IDIG) to examine the relationships between digitalization and entrepreneurial development. The results reveal a strong positive association between digitalization and economic performance. The correlation coefficients between mobile payments and GDP, and between QR payments and GDP, were 0.954 and 0.936, respectively, while the regression model explained 91.9% of the variation in GDP (R² = 0.919). Mobile payment expansion showed a strong positive effect on GDP (β = 161.453), whereas the negative QR coefficient reflected statistical multicollinearity rather than an adverse economic effect. The IDIG increased from −1.56 in 2018 to 1.12 in 2025, while the number of active SMEs rose from 1.355 million to 2.176 million. These findings demonstrate that digital platforms and digital financial services are strongly associated with entrepreneurship growth, business digitalization, platform-based employment, and sustainable regional economic development in Kazakhstan.


JEL Classification Codes: O30, O39, M21, M29.

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Article Details

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 3 (2026): Continuous Publication

Section

Research Paper/Theoretical Paper/Review Paper/Short Communication Paper
Creative Commons License

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

Author Biographies

Dina Utebaliyeva, PhD Student, School of Economics, Yessenov University, Aktau, Kazakhstan

Dina Utebaliyeva is a PhD Student at the School of Economics, Yessenov University, Aktau, Kazakhstan. Her academic interests focus on economics, sustainable development, business management, and emerging issues in regional and global economic development. She is actively engaged in academic research, contributing to studies that examine contemporary economic challenges, innovation, and sustainability. As an early-career researcher, she is committed to advancing knowledge through interdisciplinary research and collaborative scholarly activities. Her work aims to support evidence-based policymaking and promote sustainable economic and social development.

Galiya Bermukhamedova, Associate Professor, School of Economics, Yessenov University, Aktau, Kazakhstan

Galiya Bermukhamedova is an Associate Professor at the School of Economics, Yessenov University, Aktau, Kazakhstan. She has extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic supervision in the fields of economics, business, and management. Her research interests include economic development, sustainable business practices, regional economics, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She is actively involved in interdisciplinary research and has contributed to scholarly publications, academic conferences, and collaborative research initiatives. Through her teaching and research, she is committed to fostering academic excellence, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and supporting sustainable economic and social development.

Yerzhan Beisengaliyev, PhD, School of Economics, Esil University, Astana, Kazakhstan

Yerzhan Beisengaliyev, PhD is a faculty member at the School of Economics, Esil University, Astana, Kazakhstan. His teaching and research focus on economics, business management, sustainable development, and public policy. He has experience in higher education, academic research, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with interests in economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional development. Dr. Beisengaliyev has contributed to scholarly publications and academic conferences, promoting evidence-based research and practical solutions to contemporary economic challenges. He is committed to advancing academic excellence, fostering student development, and supporting sustainable economic and social progress through research and education.

Gakku Tansykbayeva, PhD Student, School of Economics, Esil University, Astana, Kazakhstan

Gakku Tansykbayeva is a PhD Student at the School of Economics, Esil University, Astana, Kazakhstan. Her academic interests encompass economics, business management, sustainable development, and innovation. She is actively engaged in research on contemporary economic and managerial issues, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary approaches that contribute to regional and global economic development. As an emerging researcher, she participates in academic conferences and collaborative research initiatives while developing expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods. Her scholarly work aims to support evidence-based decision-making and promote sustainable economic growth through high-quality research and academic collaboration.

Assiya Turekulova, Associate Professor, School of Economics, Esil University, Astana, Kazakhstan

Assiya Turekulova is an Associate Professor at the School of Economics, Esil University, Astana, Kazakhstan. She is actively engaged in teaching, research, and academic mentoring in the fields of economics and business. Her research interests include economic development, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurship, innovation, and public policy. She has contributed to scholarly publications and collaborative research projects, addressing contemporary economic and managerial challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. Committed to academic excellence, Associate Professor Turekulova supports the advancement of evidence-based research, student development, and the promotion of sustainable economic and social progress.

How to Cite

Utebaliyeva, D., Bermukhamedova, G., Beisengaliyev, Y., Tansykbayeva, G., & Turekulova, A. (2026). THE ROLE OF THE DIGITAL PLATFORM ECONOMY IN TRANSFORMING REGIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. Bangladesh Journal of Multidisciplinary Scientific Research, 11(3), 93-104. https://doi.org/10.46281/bjmsr.v11i3.2902
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