THE IMPACT OF DIGITALIZATION AND INNOVATION ON POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: EVIDENCE FROM KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract The processes of digitalisation and innovation are also reshaping the postal and courier services sector. Physical mail generally requires more time to access than electronic information. Even so, this remains an important service sector that should not be overlooked. The pandemic further increased demand for postal and courier services. This study examines the factors affecting the sector in the country, the ways in which it can adapt to ongoing change, and how, within the context of technological development, it can secure its role in sustainable national development. For the purposes of detailed analysis, two nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag models were developed, and the required significance tests were performed. The results of the first NARDL model show that fixed broadband subscriptions, employment in services, and ICT service exports have a positive long run effect on the volume of postal and courier services, while service imports exert a positive short run effect. The findings of the second NARDL model indicate that GDP per capita has a positive impact on the volume of postal and courier services in both the short run and the long run, while the level of innovation activity has a favourable long run effect. Several policy recommendations are presented in the conclusion.