Towards a Comparative, Interdisciplinary and Applied Ethnological Perspective on Entrepreneurship in the IT and Green Economy Industries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Collaborative Research Program for 2025-2027
Project Description
The project aspires to demonstrate that an 'ethnological perspective' can make a valuable contribution to the study of entrepreneurship. In its academic component, the project will employ a mixed methods-approach to collect comparative evidence and engage in emically inspired theory-building on entrepreneurial ecosystems in the IT and Green Economy industries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In its applied research component, the project will integrate closely with practitioners of the public and private sectors to create socioeconomic impact beyond academia, such as in the field of policy advice.
Learn more Advancing Entrepreneurship Research in Central Asia
Professors Philipp Schroder (Principal Investigator) and Shumaila Yousafzai (Co-Principal Investigator) have been awarded a Collaborative Research Project (CRP) grant for "Towards a Comparative, Interdisciplinary, and Applied Ethnological Perspective on Entrepreneurship in the IT and Green Economy Industries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan"(Grant No. 11024CRP2001).
This ambitious project aims to highlight the unique value of an ethnological perspective in understanding entrepreneurship.
This ambitious project aims to highlight the unique value of an ethnological perspective in understanding entrepreneurship.
A Mixed-Methods Approach for Deeper Insights
Using a mixed-methods approach, the research will collect comparative data and foster theory-building that resonates with the entrepreneurial ecosystems of the IT and Green Economy sectors in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Beyond its academic significance, the project is designed to create meaningful socio-economic impact. By closely integrating with public and private sector practitioners, it aims to provide actionable insights and policy recommendations that could transform the region's entrepreneurial landscape.
This initiative not only reinforces NURCE’s commitment to cutting-edge research but also strengt
Beyond its academic significance, the project is designed to create meaningful socio-economic impact. By closely integrating with public and private sector practitioners, it aims to provide actionable insights and policy recommendations that could transform the region's entrepreneurial landscape.
This initiative not only reinforces NURCE’s commitment to cutting-edge research but also strengt
Project Update
Philipp Schroeder presented at FU Berlin on 22–23 July 2025, delivering a keynote lecture on “Theorizing Entrepreneurship in Central Asia” at the Workshop on Russian and East European Politics.
On July 22, 2025, Indira Alibayeva presented “Crafting Identity and Nationhood: The Multifaceted Role of Artisans in Uzbekistan’s Contemporary Development” at the ICCEES XI World Congress at UCL, London.
Indira also spoke on the Oy-detox podcast about the importance of social sciences, the study of entrepreneurs, and how anthropology can help understand society. She explained the distinction between anthropology and sociology, discussed the value of social research for society, addressed stereotypes (such as the perception that Uzbeks are naturally inclined toward trade), and reflected on the purpose of academic research in Kazakhstan. She further highlighted the importance of studying cultural context, the ability of individuals to conduct meaningful research, and how scholars use social media to share insights.
On July 22, 2025, Indira Alibayeva presented “Crafting Identity and Nationhood: The Multifaceted Role of Artisans in Uzbekistan’s Contemporary Development” at the ICCEES XI World Congress at UCL, London.
Indira also spoke on the Oy-detox podcast about the importance of social sciences, the study of entrepreneurs, and how anthropology can help understand society. She explained the distinction between anthropology and sociology, discussed the value of social research for society, addressed stereotypes (such as the perception that Uzbeks are naturally inclined toward trade), and reflected on the purpose of academic research in Kazakhstan. She further highlighted the importance of studying cultural context, the ability of individuals to conduct meaningful research, and how scholars use social media to share insights.