Arman Utepov

@enu.kz

Associate Professor – Practitioner
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University

Arman Utepov


                        Download Compact PDF  
https://researchid.co/arman-utepov
Environmental governance and sustainability expert with 24 years of experience in public administration, ecosystem management, and water policy reform. Combines hydro-ecological engineering, law, and strategic governance to advance ecosystem-based solutions in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Recognized for bridging science and policy through projects with GIZ, UNDP, FAO, and USAID and for founding the public foundation EcoMind , a leading platform for Nature-based Solutions and civic engagement. Author of peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus on ecosystem services, climate adaptation, and environmental institutions.
PhD in Public Administration | Environmental Governance & Sustainability Expert

EDUCATION

• 2021, PhD in Public Administration, Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan (2018 – 2021)
Dissertation: Development of the Ecosystem Approach in Managerial Decision-Making in Kazakhstan.
• 2010, Master of Public and Local Administration, National School of Public Policy (2009 – 2010)
Dissertation: Integrated Water Resources Management in Central Asia.
• 1999, Specialist (Engineer – Hydro-Ecologist), Kyzylorda State University (1994 – 1999)
Thesis: Improvement of the Environmental Condition of Lands on the Left Bank of the Syr Darya River.
• 2005, Specialist (Lawyer), Karaganda State University (2001 – 2005)

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Multidisciplinary, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Aquatic Science, Strategy and Management
6

Scopus Publications

54

Scholar Citations

3

Scholar h-index

2

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Dual Education as an Institutional Bridge: Closing the Policy-to-Competence Gap in Kazakhstan’s Water Sector
    Aizhan Skakova, Maratbek Gabdullin, Murat Qasenuly, Arman Utepov, Meirzhan Yessenov
    Sustainability Switzerland, 2026
    Kazakhstan’s 2025 Water Code aims to institutionalize Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), but its success is threatened by a persistent “implementation gap” between policy requirements and the workforce’s practical competencies. This study provides empirical evidence of a persistent misalignment between water-related higher education and emerging governance demands in Kazakhstan by conceptualizing the implementation gap as a human-capital deficit. We conducted a repeated two-wave survey of students enrolled in “Water Resources” programs (n1 = 39, n2 = 82) to empirically diagnose this gap and examine changes in educational preferences over time. The findings reveal an overwhelming demand for dual education (97.6%), alongside a statistically significant shift (χ2(1) = 33.53, p < 0.001) from theory-oriented learning (56.4% to 4.9%) toward practice-oriented formats (30.8% to 62.2%). Key reported constraints include limited access to modern laboratories (47.6%) and insufficient real-world professional experience (28%). Taken together, these results indicate a structural misalignment between academic training and the competency requirements implied by ongoing water-sector reforms. The study concludes that dual education may function as an institutional mechanism for narrowing the policy-to-competence gap, supporting efforts to operationalize the 2025 Water Code and advance Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 6.
  • Integrating Shelterbelts with Conservation Tillage (Potapenko–Lukin) to Reduce Household Vulnerability: Project Results from Akmola, Kazakhstan
    Dani Sarsekova, Arman Utepov, Akmaral Perzadayeva, Janay Sagin, Askhat Ospangaliyev, et al.
    Sustainability Switzerland, 2025
    In Kazakhstan’s Akmola Region, rural households face heightened vulnerability from climate change, driven by reliance on weather-dependent resources and amplified risks of extreme precipitation events, prolonged dry spells, and progressive soil degradation—further intensified by limited adaptive capacity and inequities affecting women-led or ethnic minority families. This study conducted stratified household surveys across four agricultural districts, developed a tailored Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) incorporating shelterbelt presence, condition, and perceived effects, alongside readiness for hydrological surface recovery (contour–strip organisation, swales/valokany, and tree–shrub planting). Results revealed an average LVI of 0.45–0.55, which was higher (+10–15%) in marginalized groups; testing pathways showed correlations (r = 0.65, p < 0.05) with water security, soil condition, income stability, and hazard reduction, with potential LVI reductions of 15–25% through integrated measures. District-specific recommendations include implementing the Potapenko–Lukin method on slopes <5% with valokany (width 80 cm, depth 1.5 m, spacing 100–500 m), endemic plantings, and biomaterial, supported by subsidies (488,028 tenge/ha/year) and GIS monitoring, to enhance resilience and equity in steppe and forest–steppe farming.
  • Comparative evaluation of 3D visualization systems for automated assessment of cattle exterior traits: Insights from Kinect 2.0, OAK-D, and manual measurements
    Anuarbek Bissembayev, Arman Utepov, Zhumadiya Tleulenov, Alzhan Shamshidin, Anuarbek Seitmuranov, et al.
    Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 2025
    Accurate and repeatable assessments of dairy cattle body conformation are essential for productivity, welfare monitoring, and selective breeding. While 3D imaging technologies offer promising alternatives to manual measurements, the performance of low-cost, open-source solutions, such as Kinect 2.0 and OAK-D, remains insufficiently validated under farm conditions. This study assessed the accuracy and agreement of Kinect 2.0 and OAK-D cameras compared with manual caliper-based measurements in 41 dairy cows. Six key exterior traits—three vertical (withers, back, and stature) and three horizontal (chest depth, hook width, and loin width) traits—were measured. Linear regression and Bland–Altman analyses were used to evaluate agreement. OAK-D outperformed Kinect 2.0 in horizontal traits, with regression slopes of 0.908–0.976 and R² values of 0.58–0.61, and showed minimal systematic bias (–0.11 cm; LoA ±3.3 cm). Kinect 2.0 performed better in the vertical dimension (R² up to 0.85) but failed in terms of body depth (R² = 0.016), with a wide LoA (±15.3 cm). The results support the application of the OAK-D for automated exterior scoring in dairy cattle. Its affordability, open architecture, and compatibility with AI underscore its strong potential for scalable, farm-adapted, multiangle systems in precision livestock management.
  • MAIN TRENDS IN THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS CONCERNING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN KAZAKHSTAN
    Public Policy and Administration, 2022
  • Investigating the relationship between tax culture and tax communication in Kazakhstan
    Nurzhan Kuandykov, Yerlan Abil, Arman Utepov, Aisulu Nurkey, Aisulu Abenova
    Problems and Perspectives in Management, 2021
    The study demonstrated the level of tax culture as the basis for tax compliance. In turn, the formation of a strong tax culture depended on certain factors. Therefore, there were statements that the degree of such a culture depends on the level of tax communication. To show this connection, this paper analyzed the content of text arrays and products of communicative correspondence by keywords income and asset declaration in the Google search system (content analysis). Results of the analysis demonstrated more than 160 news articles and numerous social media posts. Moreover, the study contains the analytics of social media powered by YouScan artificial intelligence platform. This paper also presents the analysis and results of the sociological survey, in which more than a thousand people participated in the two biggest cities in Kazakhstan. The data of the survey were analyzed by the software Statistica 10 – the statistical data analysis system. The survey showed low tax awareness of citizens, almost 72% of respondents did not know about the introduction of the declaration of income and welfare. The results obviously demonstrated that there is a positive correlation between investigated issues, and poor utilization of information and communications technology by the government. In this way, this paper explored the relationship between tax culture and tax communication, where the awareness of citizens could be a huge step in the formation of honest taxpayers and increase confidence in government institutions.
  • The economic evaluation of water ecosystem services in urban planning in Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan
    Public Policy and Administration, 2021

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Spatial Assessment of Flood Susceptibility in the Abai Region, Kazakhstan
    K Kyrgyzbay, T Usmanov, J Sagin, B Duisebek, R Arystanova, ...
    Water 18 (7), 817 , 2026
    2026.0
    Citations: 1
  • Dual Education as an Institutional Bridge: Closing the Policy-to-Competence Gap in Kazakhstan’s Water Sector
    A Skakova, M Gabdullin, M Qasenuly, A Utepov, M Yessenov
    Sustainability 18 (2), 712 , 2026
    2026.0
  • Integrating Shelterbelts with Conservation Tillage (Potapenko–Lukin) to Reduce Household Vulnerability: Project Results from Akmola, Kazakhstan
    D Sarsekova, A Utepov, A Perzadayeva, J Sagin, A Ospangaliyev, ...
    Sustainability 17 (24), 11040 , 2025
    2025.0
  • Оценка механизмов государственного управления в области охраны атмосферного воздуха: анализ лучших международных практик
    ЛС Мухаметрахимова, РТ Дуламбаева, АТ Утепов
    «МЕМЛЕКЕТТІК АУДИТ–ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ АУДИТ» 66 (1), 129-135 , 2025
    2025.0
  • Comparative evaluation of 3D visualization systems for automated assessment of cattle exterior traits: Insights from Kinect 2.0, OAK-D, and manual measurements
    A Bissembayev, A Utepov, Z Tleulenov, A Shamshidin, A Seitmuranov, ...
    J. Anim. Behav. Biometeorol 13, 2025024 , 2025
    2025.0
    Citations: 1
  • Integrating Shelterbelts with Conservation Tillage (Potapenko–Lukin) to Reduce Household Vulnerability: Project Results from Akmola, Kazakhstan. Sustainability 2025, 17, 11040
    D Sarsekova, A Utepov, A Perzadayeva, J Sagin, A Ospangaliyev, ...
    disasters 12 (14), 16 , 2025
    2025.0
  • IMPLEMENTATION OF THE'POLLUTER PAYS'PRINCIPLE IN KAZAKHSTAN'S STATE ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
    L Mukhametrakhimova, R Dulambayeva, A Utepov
    Public Administration and Civil Service , 2024
    2024.0
    Citations: 1
  • PROGRESS IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR LIVESTOCK EXTERIOR AND FATNESS: PROGRESS IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR LIVESTOCK EXTERIOR AND FATNESS
    AT Bissembayev, AT Utepov, M Tleulenov Zh, LB Idrissiva, ...
    Наука и образование 4 (77), 3-11 , 2024
    2024.0
  • Развитие жилищной политики в условиях устойчивого экономического роста в Казахстане
    M Ospanov, A Utepov
    Public Administration and Civil Service, 135-146 , 2023
    2023.0
  • Main trends in the institutionalization of social movements concerning sustainable development in Kazakhstan
    A Utepov, SA Jumabayev, G Utepova, A Mitusov, A Kussainova
    Public Policy and Administration , 2022
    2022.0
    Citations: 4
  • Pagrindinės socialinio piliečių judėjimo institucionalizavimo tendencijos Kazachstane tvaraus vystymosi kontekste
    A Utepov, S Jumabayev, G Utepova, A Mitusov, A Kussainova
    Viešoji politika ir administravimas. ISSN 1648-2603, 2022, 21 (2) , 2022
    2022.0
    Citations: 2
  • Ekonominis vandens ekosistemos paslaugų vertinimas miestų planavimui Nur Sultane, Kazachstane
    A Utepov, S Jumabayev, A Skakova, R Salmanova, N Kuandykov
    Viesoji Politika ir Administravimas 20 (2), 205 , 2021
    2021.0
  • The economic evaluation of water ecosystem services in urban planning in Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan
    A Utepov, SA Jumabayev, A Skakova, R Salmanova, N Kuandykov
    Public Policy and Administration , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 12
  • IMPROVEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT BASED ON THEASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THEECOSYSTEM APPROACH BY CIVIL SERVANTS IN KAZAKHSTAN
    A Utepov, SA Jumabayev
    Мемлекеттік басқару және мемлекеттік қызмет , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 1
  • Investigating the relationship between tax culture and tax communication in Kazakhstan
    N Kuandykov, Y Abil, A Utepov, A Nurkey, A Abenova
    Problems and Perspectives in Managemen , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 32
  • PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIL SERVICE
    A UTEPOV, S JUMABAYEV
    PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, 37-50 , 0

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Investigating the relationship between tax culture and tax communication in Kazakhstan
    N Kuandykov, Y Abil, A Utepov, A Nurkey, A Abenova
    Problems and Perspectives in Managemen , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 32
  • The economic evaluation of water ecosystem services in urban planning in Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan
    A Utepov, SA Jumabayev, A Skakova, R Salmanova, N Kuandykov
    Public Policy and Administration , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 12
  • Main trends in the institutionalization of social movements concerning sustainable development in Kazakhstan
    A Utepov, SA Jumabayev, G Utepova, A Mitusov, A Kussainova
    Public Policy and Administration , 2022
    2022.0
    Citations: 4
  • Pagrindinės socialinio piliečių judėjimo institucionalizavimo tendencijos Kazachstane tvaraus vystymosi kontekste
    A Utepov, S Jumabayev, G Utepova, A Mitusov, A Kussainova
    Viešoji politika ir administravimas. ISSN 1648-2603, 2022, 21 (2) , 2022
    2022.0
    Citations: 2
  • Spatial Assessment of Flood Susceptibility in the Abai Region, Kazakhstan
    K Kyrgyzbay, T Usmanov, J Sagin, B Duisebek, R Arystanova, ...
    Water 18 (7), 817 , 2026
    2026.0
    Citations: 1
  • Comparative evaluation of 3D visualization systems for automated assessment of cattle exterior traits: Insights from Kinect 2.0, OAK-D, and manual measurements
    A Bissembayev, A Utepov, Z Tleulenov, A Shamshidin, A Seitmuranov, ...
    J. Anim. Behav. Biometeorol 13, 2025024 , 2025
    2025.0
    Citations: 1
  • IMPLEMENTATION OF THE'POLLUTER PAYS'PRINCIPLE IN KAZAKHSTAN'S STATE ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
    L Mukhametrakhimova, R Dulambayeva, A Utepov
    Public Administration and Civil Service , 2024
    2024.0
    Citations: 1
  • IMPROVEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT BASED ON THEASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THEECOSYSTEM APPROACH BY CIVIL SERVANTS IN KAZAKHSTAN
    A Utepov, SA Jumabayev
    Мемлекеттік басқару және мемлекеттік қызмет , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 1
  • Dual Education as an Institutional Bridge: Closing the Policy-to-Competence Gap in Kazakhstan’s Water Sector
    A Skakova, M Gabdullin, M Qasenuly, A Utepov, M Yessenov
    Sustainability 18 (2), 712 , 2026
    2026.0
  • Integrating Shelterbelts with Conservation Tillage (Potapenko–Lukin) to Reduce Household Vulnerability: Project Results from Akmola, Kazakhstan
    D Sarsekova, A Utepov, A Perzadayeva, J Sagin, A Ospangaliyev, ...
    Sustainability 17 (24), 11040 , 2025
    2025.0
  • Оценка механизмов государственного управления в области охраны атмосферного воздуха: анализ лучших международных практик
    ЛС Мухаметрахимова, РТ Дуламбаева, АТ Утепов
    «МЕМЛЕКЕТТІК АУДИТ–ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ АУДИТ» 66 (1), 129-135 , 2025
    2025.0
  • Integrating Shelterbelts with Conservation Tillage (Potapenko–Lukin) to Reduce Household Vulnerability: Project Results from Akmola, Kazakhstan. Sustainability 2025, 17, 11040
    D Sarsekova, A Utepov, A Perzadayeva, J Sagin, A Ospangaliyev, ...
    disasters 12 (14), 16 , 2025
    2025.0
  • PROGRESS IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR LIVESTOCK EXTERIOR AND FATNESS: PROGRESS IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR LIVESTOCK EXTERIOR AND FATNESS
    AT Bissembayev, AT Utepov, M Tleulenov Zh, LB Idrissiva, ...
    Наука и образование 4 (77), 3-11 , 2024
    2024.0
  • Развитие жилищной политики в условиях устойчивого экономического роста в Казахстане
    M Ospanov, A Utepov
    Public Administration and Civil Service, 135-146 , 2023
    2023.0
  • Ekonominis vandens ekosistemos paslaugų vertinimas miestų planavimui Nur Sultane, Kazachstane
    A Utepov, S Jumabayev, A Skakova, R Salmanova, N Kuandykov
    Viesoji Politika ir Administravimas 20 (2), 205 , 2021
    2021.0
  • PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIL SERVICE
    A UTEPOV, S JUMABAYEV
    PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, 37-50 , 0