In the context of the rapid development of digital technologies and the global digitalization of all spheres of life, there has been a significant transformation in the requirements for human capital. The digital maturity of human capital has become one of the key factors in ensuring the competitiveness of organizations, regions, and entire states. Modern scientific research is increasingly focused on identifying methodological foundations, models, and tools that make it possible to assess, shape, and develop the digital competencies and digital culture of employees, managers, and communities as a whole. The purpose of this study is to analyze modern scientific approaches to the development of models for the formation, advancement, and assessment of the digital maturity of human capital, as well as to identify trends and factors influencing the digital transformation of human resources. To assess the digital maturity of companies in the transport and logistics sector, we conducted a study based on expert evaluations from division managers of companies in this industry. Keywords: digital maturity, digitalization, transport and logistics sector, digital technologies, human capital.

Kazakhstan’s mining sector, a vital pillar of the national economy, generates significant volumes of waste. This waste has been found to hold considerable residual value, presenting a substantial opportunity for resource recovery and economic benefit. To unlock this value, establishing efficient reverse logistics operations is fundamental, as it enables the recovery, recycling, and reuse of materials in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. This paper introduces a conceptual optimization framework tailored to Kazakhstan’s mining industry to explore the feasibility of reverse supply chain processes. The implementation of strategies informed by this model can improve resource utilization, reduce environmental impact, and deliver long-term economic benefits. The study also identifies potential challenges to adoption and suggests pathways for further refinement of the model to adapt to the evolving needs of Kazakhstan’s mining sector. The model provides a robust analytical foundation to support discussions on developing a holistic strategy for waste management in the sector. It offers key insights into optimizing waste handling, advancing material recovery technologies, and promoting collaboration between public and private stakeholders. By aligning these insights with the regulatory and economic landscape of Kazakhstan, the model serves as a reference point to shape a broader national framework. The outcomes of this study contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 and 12 by promoting industrial innovation, resource efficiency, and responsible production practices within Kazakhstan’s mining sector.

This study aims to develop a responsible and sustainable framework for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in business process management (BPM), with a focus on aligning technological advancement with strategic economic transformation. It addresses the need for ethical, sector-sensitive AI adoption in emerging economies undergoing digital modernization and diversification. The research integrates enterprise information system considerations, privacy-preserving modular architectures, and national regulatory frameworks related to data localization and cybersecurity. A sectoral analysis is conducted to assess global AI adoption maturity and its implications for economic transformation, using Kazakhstan as a contextual reference point. The results reveal that consumer-facing sectors such as retail and financial services exhibit high near-term adoption potential, while healthcare requires gradual infrastructure and talent development. More significantly, mid-term opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, and transportation sectors present Kazakhstan with a comparative advantage. AI adoption in manufacturing is projected to grow by 83% within three to seven years, underscoring the importance of timely investments in automation, smart technologies, and workforce upskilling. This study contributes a context-aware framework for responsible AI-enabled BPM. It offers actionable insights for policymakers and business leaders in emerging economies, advocating for sectoral prioritization, strategic timing, and capacity-building to ensure sustainable digital transformation.

Nowadays, modern education is incredibly diverse. Each university or school uses different successful approaches, such as peer learning, flipped teaching, building Fab Labs, Makerspases and opening University-Based Incubators. Despite the many approaches, mindsets, techniques and tools available in education, there is not a universal formula for what should be included in the educational infrastructure, or which tools are the most effective. These questions are "wicked", complex and unclear. The design thinking approach can help us transition from knowledge space to the concept space to effectively utilizing it. This paper provides an overview of several popular approaches and tools that have proven effective in higher education. Furthermore, this paper aims to inspire future research, utilizing the design thinking tool known as "desktop research." Through review and reflection, we aim to understand the effectiveness of the needfinding approach and its potential to uphold the integrity of the university and fulfill its initial mission.

In the modern conception of economic thought, competition is one of the basic conditions for the functioning of a market economy. Nevertheless, in today's unstable market environment, competition is not effective. In this context, we believe that cooperation is a factor in ensuring the stability of the economic system. In this context, we believe that cooperation is a factor in ensuring the stability of the economic system. In this connection the article considers the role of competition in development of society and necessity of its transition to a new paradigm of doing business in the rapidly changing conditions of external environment. A mathematical model of coordinated management has been used in order to determine the possible benefits of cooperation between partners in the markets for goods and services. The results of model research are presented from the standpoint of active system theory and the model was obtained with the condition of perfect matching, corresponding with manufacturers’ cooperation. The goal of the research is the study of competitive model of national economy functioning and the identification of promising trends in business activity of economic subjects on the basis of the model of cooperation.