Institute of Digital Economy and Sustainable Development

The Institute of Digital Economy and Sustainable Development is one of the oldest divisions of Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University. Its history dates back to 1963, when the Faculty of Economics was established. The first Dean of the Faculty was Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor A.A. Konkin (1963–1965). In its founding year, 45 students were admitted to the specialty “Economics and Organization of Agriculture” and 55 students to “Agroeconomics.” Beginning in 1964, the Faculty also launched training in “Accounting in Agriculture.”

In 2000, the first intake was carried out for the specialty “Information Systems in Economics.” Since 2025, the specialty “Industrial Ecology” (originally established at the University in 2004) has become part of the Institute. This integration marked an important step in shaping the modern profile of the Institute, which now unites programs in economics, digital technologies, and sustainable development.

The Institute’s history is closely associated with many distinguished leaders who have played a crucial role in its development:
H.K. Kenzhegulov (1965–1969), R.Kh. Myasoutov (1969–1971, 1972–1974), B.Kh. Khairov (1971–1972), B.G. Gumarov (1974–1978), Sh.B. Ermekkaliev (1978–1988), A.G. Tastemirov (1988–1990, 1992–1996), B.T. Tolebayeva (1990–1992), S.I. Mendalieva (1996–1998), A.Sh. Shamgonov (1993–2003), R. Satkanova (1998–2000), M.A. Mansurova (2000–2003), I.V. Bogdashkina (2003–2005), A.A. Aydaralieva (2005–2007, 2009–2010), A.D. Ibyzhanova (2007–2009), R.S. Gabdualieva (2010–2015), A.M. Kazambayeva (2015–2020), and Zh.K. Erzhanova (2020–2024).

Currently, the Institute is headed by Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor Aizhan Dzh. Ibyzhanova.

A significant contribution to the development of educational programs has been made by the heads of departments, including H.K. Kenzhegulov, B.G. Gumarov, E.Kh. Gizzatov, N.N. Solokha, A.M. Voronova, K.G. Akhmetov, B.K. Dzhumashev, B.T. Tolebayeva, P.V. Kovel, A.Sh. Shamgonov, A.P. Vishnevskaya, B.G. Iskakova, A.D. Ismagulov, N.D. Vishnevsky, M.A. Mansurova, S.Zh. Zhaksygalieva, E.G. Gabdrakhmanov, R.G. Satkanova, T.N. Traisova, A.N. Burakhta, B.S. Yesenaliev, S.Kh. Bisenov, A.A. Muftigalieva, Z.Kh. Sultanova, A.U. Sultanov, N.N. Pashchenko, A.N. Kushekkaliev, G.A. Kamalova, I.M. Bapiev, D.O. Zhaksybayev, T.A. Turganbayev, A.M. Nurgaliev, L.Kh. Sukhanberdina, E.E. Ayupov, and many others.

Today, the Institute successfully combines its rich academic traditions with modern challenges. It houses a multidisciplinary scientific school and conducts research in priority areas. The faculty members actively participate in national and international research projects. Graduates of the Institute are in high demand in agriculture, industry, and processing sectors, as well as in IT, banking, business enterprises, public administration, and academia.

• Mission and Goals of the Institute

The mission of the Institute of Digital Economy and Sustainable Development is to train a new generation of competitive specialists capable of integrating economic, managerial, and digital competencies to ensure the sustainable development of Kazakhstan’s regions and industries in the era of global digital transformation.

The Institute fosters a scientific, educational, and innovative environment that promotes digital entrepreneurship, enhances the efficiency of business processes, and contributes to the development of the country’s intellectual potential.

Goals

• to provide high-quality training in economics, management, digital technologies, and sustainable development based on modern educational standards and international best practices.
• to develop scientific research in the fields of digital transformation of the economy, intelligent technologies, sustainable business models, and green innovations.

• to build an ecosystem for digital and technological entrepreneurship, support startups, and implement digital solutions in the agro-industrial and industrial sectors.
• to expand academic and research cooperation with foreign universities and research centers through participation in international programs such as erasmus+, horizon europe, and jean monnet.
• to contribute to the sustainable development of the region by introducing digital tools into governance, education, and business, and by improving the population’s digital literacy.
• to strengthen the professional competencies of academic staff and to form scientific schools aligned with the priorities of the digital economy.