Economic Development Policy

PhD Program “Economic Development Policy” – Program Description

The PhD program “Economic Development Policy” is designed to prepare highly qualified researchers capable of developing, evaluating, and advancing scientific approaches to the formation and implementation of economic policy in the context of global challenges, sustainable development, and digital transformation. Delivered by the Eurasian Technological University, the program integrates advanced theoretical training, modern research methodologies, and applied analytical skills necessary for conducting independent scientific work and contributing to academic and professional communities.

The program belongs to the educational domain 8D04 – Business, Management, and Law, within the field 8D041 – Business and Management, and specializes in the group D070 – Economics. Studies are conducted at the highest level of the National and Sectoral Qualifications Framework (Level 8). The curriculum is available in Russian, Kazakh, and English and includes 180 credits, with a standard duration of three years.

Program Objectives

The primary goal of the PhD program is to train specialists capable of conducting in-depth research and shaping effective economic policies under the conditions of social, technological, and environmental change. Students learn to employ modern economic theories, analyze policy outcomes using advanced econometric and statistical tools, and integrate academic findings into real economic and educational processes.

The program targets individuals aspiring to careers in research, academia, strategic consulting, public administration, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Upon completion, graduates receive the academic degree of Doctor (PhD).

Professional Alignment

The development of the program is based on the Professional Standard for Higher Education Academic Staff (2023). Graduates are qualified to work as lecturers, associate professors, researchers, or professors within higher and postgraduate education institutions. The program emphasizes pedagogical competence, scholarly publication skills, and the ability to critically evaluate and guide academic research.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, PhD candidates will be able to:

1. Produce and evaluate academic publications meeting international ethical and editorial standards (Scopus, Web of Science), including peer review, scholarly editing, and critical evaluation of research (ON1).

2. Apply modern theoretical and methodological approaches to research in economic policy, justify selected methodologies, formulate hypotheses, interpret results, and integrate them into academic and educational practice (ON2).

3. Use advanced quantitative tools such as SPSS, Stata, and SmartPLS to build and interpret econometric models and provide methodological support in applied statistical analysis (ON3).

4. Analyze sustainable development models and design strategies for transition to a green economy, considering ecological, institutional, and social factors, while fostering environmental responsibility in learners (ON4).

5. Assess the impact of digital transformation and innovation on modern economic systems, develop digitalization strategies, and teach big-data analysis, digital modeling, and cybersecurity foundations in economics (ON5).

6. Critically compare modern theories of economic development, including Keynesian economics, neo-institutionalism, behavioral economics, and complexity theory, and develop academic materials supporting advanced learning (ON6).

7. Develop models for economic risk analysis and management under uncertainty, including fiscal, structural, and geopolitical risks, and teach crisis-management strategies and stress-testing methods (ON7).

8. Study governance mechanisms and public finance systems, evaluate the effectiveness of state programs, and integrate stakeholder perspectives into research and educational processes (ON8).

Curriculum Overview

The program includes a combination of basic and profile disciplines that support theoretical depth and applied research skills.

Key courses include:

• Academic Writing – Development of advanced academic writing competencies aligned with international standards. Students learn how to structure research articles, formulate research questions, build arguments, and prepare submissions for Scopus and Web of Science journals.

• Research Methods – A comprehensive overview of scientific methodology, including philosophy of science, hypothesis development, case analysis, modeling, and result verification, with a strong interdisciplinary orientation.

• Econometrics and Applied Economic Analysis – Training in regression models, panel data, time-series analysis, causal inference, and the use of professional analytical tools for applied policy research.

• Digital Economy and Innovation – Examination of digital platforms, big data, AI-driven analysis, digital services, and issues of cybersecurity, digital inequality, and digital sovereignty.

• Sustainable Development Economics and Green Growth – Study of low-carbon development models, circular economy, sustainability indicators, responsible investment, and strategic policy instruments.

• Modern Theories of Economic Policy and Development – Critical analysis of leading schools of thought and theoretical frameworks shaping contemporary economic policy.

• Public Governance and Public Finance – Exploration of budgeting systems, fiscal policy, public finance allocation, and evaluation of government program effectiveness.

• Economic Security and Risk Management – Analytical and practical training in the identification, assessment, and management of systemic economic risks, including scenario planning and crisis response strategies.

Research Focus

Doctoral candidates are expected to conduct original research that contributes to the academic field and addresses contemporary economic challenges such as:

• sustainable and inclusive growth

• digital economy transformation

• innovation policy

• strategic public planning

• global and national economic stability

• fiscal efficiency and governance

• institutional development

Research findings are integrated into scientific publications, academic teaching, and practical policy development.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the PhD in Economic Development Policy are prepared for careers as:

• university professors and lecturers

• scientific researchers

• policy analysts

• economic consultants

• specialists in public administration and government agencies

• analysts in private and international organizations

• experts in digital transformation and sustainable development

The program aligns with future labor-market expectations, supporting the training of professionals capable of addressing complex economic issues in both national and global contexts.