ICT development in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector

¹ Department of the Innovation and Technological Development, Instіtute of Economіcs of the Commіttee of Scіence of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education the Republic of Kazakhstan, 050020 Almaty, Kazakhstan
² Department of the Real Sector of the Economy, Instіtute of Economіcs of the Commіttee of Scіence of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education the Republic of Kazakhstan, 050020 Almaty, Kazakhstan

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The research aim was to define the level of digitalization and the potential of ICT in Kazakhstan's agricultural sector. A quantitative study based on a comparative approach using statistical methods was conducted to determine the available to define the level of digitalization and the potential of ICT in Kazakhstan's agricultural sector. The source base for the study was data from Bulletins "On the use of information and communication technologies at enterprises of the Republic of Kazakhstan" for 2019-2023. The study revealed that the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan has achieved some degree of digitalization, but it is low and remains limited to the use of basic ICT such as computers and internet access. Advanced technologies such as cloud computing, big data analytics and digital manufacturing systems are rarely used and have grown slowly over the years. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for some improvements, leading to increased e-invoicing, business process automation and communication through digital channels. However, the penetration of sophisticated technologies such as robotics and 3D printing remains minimal and dependence on external ICT service providers is increasing. The sector should anticipate future ICT needs and develop a strategy to ensure that sufficient ICT skills are retained or trained, even if some functions are outsourced. There is potential for further development by addressing challenges in e-commerce adoption and scaling up new technologies such as RFID.