This paper evaluated the governance of the social sphere of the Pavlodar region. Based on the analysis of the main social indicators, identified the strengths and weaknesses of the region in this area, as well as identify opportunities and threats that affect the development of the region as a whole. In a changing social and economic relations, the issues related management and development of a regional social complex. Their decision depends not only on the success of social reform, but also the normalization of the socio-political situation in Kazakhstan.

In this article, social-and-economic position of Sherbakty district of the Pavlodar region is considered. Dominant industry of economy of district is agriculture. Data are presented on the amount of operating private business entities. Complex description of socio-economic results of development of region is reflected in SWOTanalysis, strengths and weaknesses of development of district, threat and possibility are considered. The assessment of tourist cluster is highlighted for development of district and a necessity is certain for development of the strategic program of development rural territories.

Main problem: Issues of evaluating regional competitiveness, search for competitive territories’ advantages, especially by improving human resources’ quality, remain insufficiently studied. In this regard, in article it is presented existing models for evaluating regional competitiveness in Kazakhstan economy. In addition, in article authors carried out regional classification according to analysis of main socio-economic indicators of Kazakhstan regions, originating in Concept of regional policy. Authors calculated main indicators of Kazakhstan regions’ competitiveness with aim of determining level of region’s competitiveness in comparative perspective. Purpose: Purpose of the research is comparative analysis and evaluation of the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s regions in modern conditions. Methods: The article uses rating model for evaluating competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s regions based on indices, developed by Agency for research on investment profitability, operating at National chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan (rating of competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s regions). Results and their value: Value of the paper considered in that classification of regions is carried out according to analysis of main socio-economic indicators of Kazakhstan regions, which originates in Concept of regional policy. The authors also calculated main indicators of competitiveness index of Kazakhstan regions according to National chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan in order to determine the specifics of regions and identify directions for developing regional strategies. Based on results of the study, analysis was carried out that allowed to reveal strengths and weaknesses of regions of Kazakhstan. It is emphasized that a high level of regional competitiveness cannot be achieved without development of human resources and their rational use. In general, directions of regional policy are determined by chosen development scenario. The approach proposed by authors to methodology for evaluating regional competitiveness has a number of advantages - it reflects the specifics of regions, allows seeing the nearest competitors and determining directions of the region’s development strategy.

Main problem: The key task of the development of the regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan is to ensure their sustainable socio-economic development by increasing its competitiveness and innovation activity. To develop a successful strategy, as well as for its subsequent successful implementation, it is necessary to have a clear vision and idea of what the region will be like in the near future. This vision should be clearly formulated and understood by all interested parties in order to properly coordinate efforts in achieving the set goals. In turn, based on the vision, various initiatives and activities are being formed, the implementation of which is aimed at implementing the main directions of sustainable development of the region. Purpose: to consider the main directions of the implementation of the strategy of competitive, sustainable and safe development of the region. Methods: The theoretical and methodological basis was the concepts, hypotheses and theories presented in the works of domestic and foreign researchers. The methodology is based on a systematic approach, within which methods of comparative, factorial, subject-object; structural-functional, statistical analysis and extrapolation have been applied. Results and their significance: In order to ensure the sustainable development of the Pavlodar region in the future, there is a need to form the basis for the creation of new sectors, as well as to consider opportunities to diversify the regional economy. Currently, there is a structural change in jobs, which leads to an increased role of professional services industries in the field of information technology, engineering. It should be noted that the level of development of small, medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurship in the region is at a low level, due to the predominance of resource sectors in the economy. These sectors, due to the peculiarities of the technological process, do not form a system of suppliers around themselves. However, in order to ensure the progressive development of the industrial complex in the region, it is important to create conditions for the development of SMEs in the region and, accordingly, a system of suppliers around leading manufacturing enterprises. The high competitiveness of the Pavlodar region in the future until 2030 will be ensured through the development of priority clusters, as well as through the emergence of new industrial sectors of the economy. Thus, the priority clusters of «today» include: metallurgical cluster, including the production of end products; cluster of railway engineering; agro-food cluster.