Socio-economic development of rural territories

The sustainability of rural territories is a key factor in ensuring regional socio-economic growth. A comprehensive assessment of sustainable development indicators makes it possible to analyze the effectiveness of policies in the field of social and economic relations, identify barriers, and determine ways to overcome them, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the competitiveness of rural areas. The objective is to substantiate a system of criteria that enables the examination of the dynamics of the social and business environment and the monitoring of the structural transformation of the agri-food sector within the framework of a regional strategy. Methods include a rating-based study using the distance method, ensuring the comparability of indicators of socio logical and economic dynamics of regions and establishing their integral positions. The use of statistical data serves to identify priority areas for the innovative modernization of rural areas. The information base included data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, regulatory acts, and scientific publications. Results – the authors note that currently the transition to large-scale projects is of decisive importance for improving the quality of life of the rural population, strengthening the economy, and creating conditions for its optimization in the long term. Most rural districts require an active program of actions aimed at attracting investors, forming a favorable investment climate, and building an effective system of state support. The districts of Akmola region were ranked according to socio cultural and economic parameters, identifying problems and promising territories. Four groups were distinguished based on the rating classification. Conclusions – it is substantiated that a com prehensive system of key indicators provides grounds for objectively diagnosing the situation in rural territories, identifying disproportions, typologizing regions by the level of transformation, and developing differentiated management measures. In this regard, it is necessary to introduce mechanisms for regulating the activities of social and engineering facilities, increase the accessibility of socially oriented services, expand entrepreneurial activity, and develop the human resource poten tial of rural areas through qualified specialists.

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