INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION: AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS STUDY TURKISH EXPERTISE IN DIGITAL AGRICULTURAL LOGISTICS

As part of the scientific project IRN AP26101867, “Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Regional Agri-Industrial Dairy Subsystem in the Context of Digital Logistics,” a research team from Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University—comprising Alma Baiguzhinova, Yerzhan Domalatov, and Lyailya Akhmetova—undertook a scientific research trip to Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, in June 2026.

The primary objective of the visit was to foster international scientific collaboration, examine advanced international practices in the digital transformation of the agro-industrial complex, expand academic ties with foreign research and educational institutions, and exchange modern scientific approaches in digital logistics, supply chain management, and agricultural production competitiveness.

A key highlight of the program was the delegation’s participation in the 56th EBES (Eurasia Business and Economics Society) International Conference, which convened researchers worldwide. During the conference, the team presented findings on enhancing the efficiency of the agro-industrial dairy subsystem within the digital economy. Engaging with leading international experts provided valuable peer feedback, facilitated the exchange of scientific perspectives, and identified promising avenues for future research.

Significant focus was also dedicated to research activities at the Al-Farabi Eurasian Research Center at Istanbul University under the topic “Digitalization of Logistics Processes in the Agro-Industrial Complex: Turkish Experience and Potential Applications for Kazakhstan.” The team examined modern approaches to organizing digital agral logistics, digital tracking mechanisms in agricultural supply chains, operational characteristics of logistics infrastructure, and governmental/institutional frameworks governing digital processes in Türkiye’s agricultural sector.

The logistics of milk and dairy products was of particular interest to the research group, given the strict requirements for temperature control, continuous cold chain maintenance, digital product traceability, quality management, and dynamic supply coordination. Studying Türkiye’s practical experience helped identify contemporary digital solutions aimed at streamlining logistics processes and minimizing costs across agri-food chains.

Additionally, the researchers explored the integration of digital monitoring, big data analytics, electronic document management, digital registry systems for agricultural market participants, cold chain management systems, and tools to improve supply chain transparency. Under official invitation from the host institution, the delegation was granted access to Istanbul University’s library collections and specialized scientific libraries across Istanbul, substantially enriching the empirical and analytical basis of their study.

The scientific mission successfully strengthened international academic partnerships, established new research contacts, expanded the project’s theoretical and methodological framework, and enabled a comparative analysis of Turkish and Kazakh practices in agro-industrial digital logistics. The collected data and insights will be applied to the ongoing execution of the research project, future publications in international peer-reviewed journals, the development of practical recommendations for modernizing Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial logistics, and joint international research initiatives.

The project team expresses sincere gratitude to Istanbul University, the Al-Farabi Eurasian Research Center, and the Center’s Director, Prof. Dr. Abdullah Kızılcık, for their hospitality, assistance, and support in facilitating this research work. The established professional ties provide a solid foundation for future international academic cooperation and collaborative research projects.