Factors determining the development of engineering education in the labor market and the real sector of the economy of the East Kazakhstan Region

Engineering education is undergoing a profound transformation driven by rapid technological advancement, industrial digitalization, and the global transition to Industry 4.0. In Kazakhstan, as in many post-Soviet economies, engineering programs face mounting pressure to align with labor market demands and contribute to regional development. Yet a persistent gap remains between graduate competencies and employer expectations in the real sector. This study investigates the key factors shaping engineering education in the East Kazakhstan Region, with a focus on aligning educational outcomes with labor market needs. Universities and industrial enterprises are considered core stakeholders. The research aims to identify the root causes of competency mismatches, assess the adaptability of higher education to industrial transformation, and offer practical recommendations for improvement. A mixedmethods design was employed, combining a structured stakeholder survey (n = 146), expert validation, policy analysis, and a review of secondary data. Internal consistency was confirmed using Cronbach’s Alpha (α = 0.91), and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in Jamovi identified two principal components accounting for over 70% of the variance. Key findings point to limited university–industry collaboration, outdated curricula, and inadequate career guidance systems as the main barriers. The study concludes with strategic recommendations to strengthen the capacity of regional universities to produce graduates who are better equipped for Industry 4.0.