Abstract
This study aims to develop a responsible and sustainable framework for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in business process management (BPM), with a focus on aligning technological advancement with strategic economic transformation. It addresses the need for ethical, sector-sensitive AI adoption in emerging economies undergoing digital modernization and diversification. The research integrates enterprise information system considerations, privacy-preserving modular architectures, and national regulatory frameworks related to data localization and cybersecurity. A sectoral analysis is conducted to assess global AI adoption maturity and its implications for economic transformation, using Kazakhstan as a contextual reference point. The results reveal that consumer-facing sectors such as retail and financial services exhibit high near-term adoption potential, while healthcare requires gradual infrastructure and talent development. More significantly, mid-term opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, and transportation sectors present Kazakhstan with a comparative advantage. AI adoption in manufacturing is projected to grow by 83% within three to seven years, underscoring the importance of timely investments in automation, smart technologies, and workforce upskilling. This study contributes a context-aware framework for responsible AI-enabled BPM. It offers actionable insights for policymakers and business leaders in emerging economies, advocating for sectoral prioritization, strategic timing, and capacity-building to ensure sustainable digital transformation.