Abstract
Global experience confirms that the economic development of special economic zones (SEZs) has a positive impact on entrepreneurship. Kazakhstan has established 17 SEZs, but their effectiveness varies due to insufficient infrastructure and limited potential. This development and the implementation of measures to improve their impact require evaluation. The purpose of this study is to analyze the theoretical and practical aspects of the functioning of SEZs in Kazakhstan, assess their impact on entrepreneurship, and develop recommendations. The hypothesis is that increased investment in the fixed capital of SEZs, due to the preferential regime, contributes to the development of entrepreneurship. Logical, systematic, and economic-statistical methods were used, including correlation analysis. The study was conducted in the SEZs of Karaganda, Mangystau, and Turkestan regions. The data were provided by the Statistical Bureau of Kazakhstan. The results showed a significant impact of investments in SEZs on the development of entrepreneurship. Recommendations were also developed to improve the SEZs in Kazakhstan. The findings confirm the research hypothesis that increased investment in special economic zones has a positive effect on entrepreneurial activity.