Abstract
This article comprehensively evaluates the effectiveness of government instruments aimed at stimulating regional innovation and entrepreneurial potential in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It examines government support mechanisms for entrepreneurship, including financial, infrastructural, and educational instruments. It also analyzes regional differences in the development of small and medium-sized businesses, innovation activity, and youth engagement in entrepreneurship. The study aims to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of government instruments for stimulating the innovation and entrepreneurial potential of the regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, identify their impact on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, innovation activity, and the reduction of regional disparities, and develop recommendations for improving public policy based on a differentiated regional approach. The study's methodological basis includes systematic and comparative analysis, as well as economic and statistical processing of official data from the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan. Using aggregated key indicators, the study assessed regional innovation and entrepreneurial potential and showed its dependence on the scale and structure of government support. It was found that existing instruments contribute to the growth of entrepreneurial activity; however, their impact on reducing regional disparities remains limited. The study identifies structural constraints associated with the uneven distribution of resources and the differentiation of territorial infrastructure development. The paper proposes directions for optimizing government policy based on a differentiated regional approach, including strengthening institutional coordination, developing regional innovation ecosystems, and improving the effectiveness of entrepreneurship support programs. The results can be used to develop regional development strategies and improve public policy instruments to support innovative entrepreneurship.