Aknur Zhidebekkyzy

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University,

Kazakhstan

Aknur.zh@gmail.com 

ORCID 0003-3543-547X

Transition to a circular economy: Exploring stakeholder perspectives in Kazakhstan

Aisulu Moldabekova

Institute of Economics of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan,

Kazakhstan

kazsocium01@gmail.com 

ORCID 0000-0003-4330-5595

Birganym Amangeldiyeva

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan

Amangeldiyeva.birganym@gmail.com 

ORCID 0000-0003-3466-5871

Petra Šanova

Department of Trade and Finance,

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague,

Czechia

sanova@pef.czu.cz 

Abstract. The development of circular economy entails systemic changes at various levels involving all stakeholders. Stakeholders play a crucial role in creating and ensuring the necessary conditions for the establishment and thriving of the circular economy. They set the primary direction for and act as the driving force behind sustainable development. In this regard, this study aimed to determine the readiness of stakeholders for the formation and development of the circular economy in Kazakhstan. An expert survey was conducted among representatives of business, academia and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The survey involved 54 experts, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS 25 software. The analytical findings underscore that the sector of science and education manifests the highest state of readiness among stakeholder segments. Conversely, sectors encompassing society, consumers, governmental bodies, and financial institutions demonstrate relatively modest levels of preparedness. Furthermore, this study delved into distinct statistical variances across stakeholder readiness levels and proffered targeted recommendations aimed at mitigating challenges hampering the establishment of a circular economy framework within Kazakhstan.

Received: November, 2022

1st Revision: July, 2023

Accepted: September, 2023

DOI: 10.14254/2071-8330.2023/16-3/8

JEL Classification: Q30, Q57, Q56

Keywords: circular economy, stakeholder analysis, sustainable development