Environmental innovation of small and medium businesses in Central Asian countries (on the example of the Republic of Kazakhstan)

In the context of the desire of many Central Asian countries to modernize their economies and diversify their energy sources, the study of eco-innovations in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector is a key aspect in determining the prospects for sustainable development. The objective of this study is to identify the dynamics of eco-innovations in the SME sectors of Kazakhstan, as well as to assess the practical significance of these innovations for both the environment and society as a whole. To achieve this goal, a combination of methods was used, including surveys of entrepreneurs and business managers using structured questionnaires, as well as analysis of statistical information. The results of the study indicate that small and medium enterprises in Kazakhstan are actively implementing strategies aimed at energy conservation and the use of environmentally efficient technologies, resulting in high levels of energy savings. This trend highlights the growing role of SMEs in the economy, which is reflected in the increase in gross value added and their share in the gross domestic product. The increase in investment in environmental protection since 2000 indicates increased awareness of the importance of environmental issues and the strengthening of sustainable development strategies in Kazakhstan. Thus, SMEs are actively involved in reducing their environmental impact and consider environmental innovation as a key factor for sustainable economic growth. The results of the study provide a valuable basis for making informed decisions in the field of environmental sustainability and SME development in Central Asian countries.