Effective development of the national economy of Kazakhstan is directly related to the dynamic and balanced development of the regions, which are its fundamental components. In this regard, special attention of the scientific community should be directed to the study of current economic processes in the regions, with an emphasis on ensuring their proportional and harmonious growth.

The socio-economic development of regions is a complex process aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life of the population. The most important reference point for regional development should be the balance of various industries and activities, which will allow the regions to effectively use the available resources and potential.

Today, the regions of Kazakhstan play a key role in ensuring sustainable growth of the national economy. However, there are still significant differences between them due to geographical location, the level of transport and engineering infrastructure, the availability of natural resources, the level of qualification of labor resources, and the degree of industrial development. These factors shape the economic specifics of each region and determine the need for an individual approach to their development.

One of the key objectives of state policy in Kazakhstan is to achieve a balanced development of the regions and reduce disparities between them. This is possible through the comprehensive implementation of effective social, economic and budgetary policies aimed at:

- development of transport, energy and social infrastructure;

- support of investment attractiveness of the regions;

- creating conditions for economic diversification;

- promotion of local entrepreneurship and cluster development;

- improving the standard of living of the population through fair distribution of state resources.

Balance is, first of all, the correspondence between the available resources and the needs that need to be met, as well as the quantitative ratio between the elements of the economic system^[75].

The interaction of a set of conditions and factors ensures sustainable and balanced development of the region. In the classical interpretation – «a factor – the cause, the driving force of any process, determining its character or its individual features^[76]».

Leksin V. N., Shvetsov V. N. distinguish the following among the main factors that ensure sustainable and balanced development of the region: «environmental factor- determines the conditions and boundaries of the restoration of ecological systems due to their exploitation; economic factor- assumes the formation of the economic system of the municipality, harmonized with the environmental factor of development; social factor-approves the human right to a high standard of living in conditions of environmental safety and well-being»^[77].

Kuklina in her studies of factors of sustainable and balanced development of the region divided them into two groups: «objective and subjective factors, i.e. they include such factors as technological, socio-economic, environmental, state-legal, factors of spiritual development, security and law and order»^[78].

In some other studies, the factors of sustainable and balanced development are «classified into: economic, environmental, technological and social»^[79].

According to V. Selin, «the factors of sustainable and balanced development of the region are the social state (standard of living) of the population, economy and ecology^[80]».

Tsomartova L. V. in her research «external factors of sustainable balanced development of regions include such factors as: political, legal, economic, social, technological and other forces of influence of external systems that are essential for the functioning of the region. Internal factors include: natural resources, socio-political, institutional, organizational and managerial, market, scientific and technological progress, etc»^[81].

The development of Kazakhstan's regions is determined by a combination of various factors that affect the economic, social, demographic and environmental situation. They are taken into account in order to form an effective state policy and ensure balanced regional growth.

Economic factors.

They determine the industry specialization of regions, influence interregional economic relations, investment attractiveness, and opportunities for introducing innovations. They are taken into account in the economic, investment, innovation and budget policies of the state.

- priority areas of socio-economic development;

- regional policy of central and local authorities;

- structure and potential of the regional economy;

- the level of production activity and efficiency;

- investment attractiveness and level of investment development;

- development of competitive sectors of the economy;

- financial stability of the regions and distribution of financial flows;

- energy and food security.

Social factors.

Determine the level and quality of life of the population, affect social stability, labor productivity and reproduction of labor resources. They are taken into account when forming social, environmental, and migration policies.

- dynamics of social development of territories;

- accessibility and quality of education, healthcare and social infrastructure;

- employment rate, unemployment rate;

- household incomes and their structure;

- compliance of the population's income with the subsistence minimum;

- the level and quality of consumption of material goods.

Natural-ecological and anthropogenic factors.

They form the spatial specialization of regions, determine the availability of resources, as well as environmental restrictions that affect the development of the economy.

- natural and climatic conditions of the regions;

- the level of anthropogenic load and environmental sustainability;

- the level of environmental pollution, including emissions into the atmosphere and pollution of water bodies;

- measures to protect and restore natural resources.

Demographic factors.

They provide a basis for long-term planning of socio-economic development of the regions.

- growth rates and population structure;

- urbanization and dynamics of migration flows;

- the level of education and qualification of labor resources;

- population density and its territorial distribution.

Potential of territorial development.

Reflects the level of use of natural, economic, and human resources.

- production, labor, natural resource and investment potential;

- innovative and informational potential;

- export and energy potential;

- recreational, tourist and infrastructure potential.

Resource availability factors.

They are determined by the availability of natural and economic resources and the possibility of their effective use.

- estimated and unappreciated natural resources;

- the level of involvement of resources in economic turnover;

- efficient use of land, water and mineral resources.

Innovative factors.

They reflect the region's ability to develop technologically, introduce new technologies, and improve competitiveness.

- development of high-tech industries and implementation of digital solutions;

- creation of an innovative infrastructure;

- production of products with high added value.

Competitive factors.

They determine the ability of regions to participate in the global and national economy.

- the ratio of export and import volumes;

- availability of international markets for Kazakhstani goods;

- development of clusters and competitive production chains.

Socio-political factors.

They influence economic and social policies, creating favorable conditions for the sustainable development of regions.

- interaction between business, government and society;

- development of civil society and public participation in regional governance;

- mechanisms of state regulation of regional development;

- ensuring stability and social integration.

Value and cultural factors.

They form the mentality of the population, influence economic activity, the level of trust and the effectiveness of management decisions.

- traditions of doing business;

- norms of behavior, moral values;

- cultural heritage and its impact on economic activity.

Regulatory and legal factors.

They determine the legislative framework for regional development, state regulatory mechanisms, and the degree of regional autonomy.

- national, regional and local legislation;

- mechanisms for regulating investment and business activities;

- legal norms in the field of land, labor and natural resources.

Thus, successful development of Kazakhstan's regions is possible if all factors ensuring balanced economic growth, improving the quality of life of the population and sustainable use of resources are taken into account in a comprehensive manner.

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^[75] Lapaev, S. P., & Zatsarinina, Yu. V. (2017). Theoretical foundations of balanced development of regional economies. Intellect. Innovation. Investment, (9), 31–34.

^[76] Khorev, A. I., Polozova, A. N., Nuzhdin, R. V., & Grebneva, I. V. (2009). Organizational business development management tools. Voronezh: Nauchnaya Kniga, p. 206.

^[77] Solominskaya, O. O. (2020). Analysis of balanced regional development on the example of Eastern Siberia. Moscow Economic Journal, (8), 519–532.

^[78] Kuklina, E. A. (2007). Stability of the economic system: methodological approaches to the concept definition, types of stability, types of sustainable development. Education. Economy. Society, (3), 42–47.

^[79] Uskova, T. V. (2009). Management of sustainable regional development: monograph. Vologda: ISEDT RAS, 355 p.

^[80] Same reference.

^[81] Tsomartova, L. V. (2011). Sustainable development of regional socio-economic systems. Economics and Efficiency of Production Organization, (14), 70–73.