Cluster development potential of grain crops industry in Kazakhstan

Modern economic systems in recent years become more and more globalized. In connection with this problem, it is becoming urgent to expand and strengthen interregional economic relations through the creation of clusters. In this paper, the authors analyzed the potential of creating a cluster in the grain crops producing regions of Kazakhstan. To study the agricultural industries for the possibility of creating a cluster, a method suggested by A. V. Yermishina was used. Key indicators, on which the analysis of the competitive sustainability of the region is based, are as follows: coefficient of localization of production in the region, coefficient of per capita output and coefficient of specialization of the region on this industry. The results of the SWOT-analysis capabilities grain crops industry in Kazakhstan are presented in the paper. Quantitative and qualitative analysis showed that there is a so-called «potential grain crops cluster» in Kazakhstan. Weaknesses and fundamental factors that may have a beneficial effect on the further development of the cluster were identified. In particular, a sufficiently weighty threat of a shortage of water was noticed, so water conservation strategy should become the leading one in the economy of Kazakhstan.