Abstract
The main challenge of natural resource-rich economies is to avoid the resource curse, poor economic growth, weak institutions and corruption through the development of state program, tended to the development of knowledge-based economy.This research evaluates the productivity of the gross regional product in the context of knowledge-based economy indicators taking into account industrial structure and specialization in regional economic.The focus is on the Republic of Kazakhstan as representative of the oil-exported countries.The feature selection analysis was implemented through a panel regression model and in the aim of evaluation of knowledge-based performance of state measures was used Malmquist Productivity Index in DEA.The data set of the research is obtained from the official statistical data of state structures during the period from 2007 to 2017 for the regions of Kazakhstan.The results indicate the need to develop differentiated approaches aimed at improving the efficiency of knowledge-based performance in the context of industry 4.0.The results can be used to adjust tactics and development strategies of state measures in knowledgebased performance.Through this paper we hope to give our contribution to the creation Smart Specialisation strategies in emerging economy countries as a way to increase efficiency in research and innovation investments by integrating policy areas, applying a broad definition of innovations and stimulating collaboration -between regions, sectors and levels.