The study represents the world experience in the creation and functioning of regional development institutions, based on which three basic models of their organization were identified. The relevance of the study is due to the need to determine effective and efficient formats for interaction between regional authorities and the local business community. Based on the analysis of foreign experience in the main areas and parameters of regional development institutions, an appropriate benchmarking was conducted: the organization and financing of regional development institutions, operational and strategic management systems of regional development institutions, the effectiveness and prospects of the transformation of regional development institutions. It has been established that social and entrepreneurial corporations of Kazakhstan, due to inconsistent government policies, have not transformed into a full-fledged regional development institution.