In the context of sustainability, the concept of balanced development is crucial at both global and regional levels. This principle is equally significant for specific regions, natural-economic complexes, and local communities. Sustainable regional development necessitates a holistic approach to addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges, which are particularly pertinent at the regional scale. The sustainable development of nations is intrinsically linked to their integration into global processes; however, its resilience and stability are contingent upon balanced regional progress. The West Kazakhstan region exemplifies an economic powerhouse within the country and plays a pivotal role in national regional policy. This study introduces a conceptual model designed to evaluate sustainable development through the balanced interaction of various indicators. The results reveal a disparity between the financial and economic potential of different regions and their environmental challenges. These findings form the foundation for developing a new paradigm of sustainable development that emphasizes the integration of economic growth, social stability, and environmental security.

Water resources management based on green economy is becoming more and more relevant in the context of changing climate and growing environmental problems. The President of Kazakhstan K.-J. K. Tokayev assigned tasks at the national level to improve the efficiency of use and protection of the country's water resources. Effective strategies for sustainable water management as well as technological innovations are crucial to mitigate the effects of water scarcity worldwide. In addition, financing of green technologies is an important factor. In this study, we analysed the correlation between green finance and sustainable water management outcomes on the example of wastewater treatment in Kazakhstan. The results can be applied in developing strategies to minimise the impact of risks on water, health and environmental infrastructure, as well as in studying the impact of environmental invest-ments. The costs of water supply, precisely the collection, treatment and disposal of waste, pollution elimination activities provide various economic, environmental and social benefits, which makes them a crucial aspect of sustainable development.

It is widely recognized that the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) is incredibly multifaceted. With its help, tasks and services that could previously only be performed by humans are now performed quickly and efficiently using various available technologies. AI makes life much easier by effectively solving technical problems and optimizing many processes. As a key driver of the fourth industrial revolution, artificial intelligence has a profound impact on the productivity of organizations, fundamentally changing existing business models and stimulating innovation processes. Since the term “artificial intelligence” appeared in the scientific field, research aimed at its development has been actively conducted. However, AI is still a relatively new and complex technology that has not been fully studied. As for the impact of artificial intelligence on innovation management, AI has the potential to radically change practices in this area. These changes will open a new era in innovation management, making innovation processes more efficient and successful. However, our knowledge of the use of AI in innovation management is still limited, and managers continue to search for the most effective ways to apply this technology. This article examines the role of artificial intelligence in innovation management by analysing the theoretical aspects of innovation management and AI, identifying their interrelationship, and assessing the potential for effectively applying AI in managing innovative activities in Kazakhstani organisations. Using an evolutionary approach, the article evaluates international experience, while the induction method is applied to forecast the potential use in Kazakhstan’s innovation management sector. The novelty of this study lies in the first-ever examination of AI’s application, role, and conceptual foundation within innovative activities in Kazakhstani organisations. The legal framework for informatisation and AI development in Kazakhstan has been established. However, AI development requires substantial financial support and stronger collaboration between science, industry, and enterprises. Key words: innovation, innovation management, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, economy, strategy.

Kazakhstan, at both the national and regional levels, is actively promoting sustainable development by introducing environmentally friendly technologies through legislative initiatives and support programs. Creating a sustainable investment environment is an important step to ensure long-term economic and environmental prosperity not only for the regions but also for the country as a whole. This article analyses the environmental condition of the West Kazakhstan Region (WKR) and the degree of investment potential readiness for a green transformation. The results of the study reveal the region’s readiness to attract investment in projects related to sustainable development. Understanding the region’s strengths and obstacles in this area helps in developing strategies to improve the investment climate of the region.

The relevance of this study is driven by the growing global scarcity of water resources, increasing transboundary dependence, the deterioration of water infrastructure, and the need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the field of rational water use. For Kazakhstan, this issue is of particular importance due to the limited availability of domestic water resources, high dependence on transboundary inflows, and the insufficient efficiency of existing water management mechanisms. The aim of the article is to analyze international experience in the management of water infrastructure and to substantiate economically efficient approaches for its adaptation in the context of Kazakhstan. The methodological framework of the study is based on comparative and institutional analysis, as well as the generalization of international practices. The information base includes materials from international organizations, scientific publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, as well as studies focused on water resource management in Kazakhstan. The results indicate that the most effective models are those that combine state regulation, economic incentives, tariff mechanisms, and private sector participation in the modernization and operation of water infrastructure. It is established that international experience supports the transition from predominantly administrative allocation of water resources to more flexible and economically grounded management mechanisms aimed at resource efficiency, investment sustainability, and environmental responsibility.