Abstract
The purpose of the study is to study the theoretical aspects of special economic zones and develop scientifically sound recommendations for determining development opportunities in the West Kazakhstan region.Methodology – during the research work, the bibliographic method was used to determine the theoretical and methodological aspects and the ideas of foreign, Kazakh authors about the special economic zone were studied. A mathematical analysis of statistical data was carried out to assess the state of special economic zones in the West Kazakhstan region. The necessary indicators for this were selected by the ranking method. Based on the results of the evaluation using the inductive method, recommendations for the development of the activities of special economic zones have been developed.Uniqueness / value of the study – the importance of creating and improving special economic zones for the development of innovative activities, as well as increasing the investment attractiveness of the West Kazakhstan region is determined. At the same time, the leading industry directions for the development of special economic zones in the region have been identified. A set of measures to improve the investment climate and improve innovation activities has been systematized.The results of the study – an assessment of the innovation and investment activities of the West Kazakhstan region was carried out; the possibilities of improving the activities of the currently created special economic zones and the creation of new ones were identified, recommendations for their improvement were given.