New Horizons: NURCE Embarks on a Pioneering Research Journey with Three New Grants

Led by Principal Investigator Professor Shumaila Yousafzai and Co-Principal Investigator Professor Philipp Schroder, the Equitable and Sustainable Horizons project is a pioneering initiative. Generously funded through a new CRP grant, this project aims to make a significant impact on the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) landscape in Kazakhstan.

The core objective is to develop and implement comprehensive ESG training for SME owners across ten locations in Kazakhstan. These owners will become master trainers, responsible for passing on their knowledge to local entrepreneurs. This train-the-trainer model is designed to amplify the reach and impact of ESG standards, significantly improving sustainability practices within the Kazakh entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A key aspect of the project is its commitment to inclusivity. The training will engage a diverse range of sectors within the community to ensure that the benefits of ESG adoption are widely and equitably distributed. By incorporating the philosophical insights of Abai Kunanbayev, a revered Kazakh thinker, the project not only honors local cultural heritage but also aligns modern business practices with long-standing local values. This cultural synergy is expected to enhance the adoption and applicability of ESG principles among Kazakh businesses.

Professors Philipp Schroder (PI) and Shumaila Yousafzai (CO-PI) have been awarded a Collaborative Research Project (CRP) grant for the project titled "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 illuminate the unique value of an "ethnological perspective" in understanding entrepreneurship.


By employing a mixed-methods approach, the project aims to collect comparative data and foster theory-building that aligns with the entrepreneurial ecosystems of the IT and Green Economy sectors in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. --- Let me know if you need any further changes! for a couple of seconds

Beyond its academic aspirations, the project is designed to create significant socio-economic impacts. It plans to integrate closely with public and private sector practitioners, offering actionable insights and policy advice that could transform the landscape of entrepreneurship in the region. This initiative not only strengthens NURCE's commitment to cutting-edge research but also underscores its role in shaping sustainable and technologically advanced entrepreneurial ecosystems.

NURCE is proud to announce a transformative initiative under its new grant, titled "Empowering Abilities: Integrating Abai’s Holistic Human Philosophy in Entrepreneurial Training for Disabled Entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan." Headed by Professor Shumaila Yousafzai, this project embarks on a groundbreaking journey to redefine inclusivity in entrepreneurship through the philosophical teachings of Abai Kunanbayev.

The project's mission is to develop the capabilities of 100 disabled entrepreneurs to become master trainers. This endeavor not only aims to enhance the socio-economic standing of disabled individuals but also seeks to reshape societal perceptions toward disabilities by promoting a more inclusive and equitable business landscape.

At the heart of this initiative is the integration of Abai Kunanbayev’s philosophy of Tolyk Adam—the Holistic Human—which emphasizes the harmonious development of mind, body, and spirit. This philosophy challenges conventional views on disability by asserting that physical limitations do not hinder one's intellectual or entrepreneurial capacities. By fostering an environment where disabled entrepreneurs can thrive, the project aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader goals of social inclusivity and economic diversity.

As we look forward to the execution of this ambitious project, we remain committed to transforming the entrepreneurial landscape in Kazakhstan. By embracing Abai's holistic approach to human development, "Empowering Abilities" aims to cultivate a generation of leaders who are not only successful entrepreneurs but also dedicated advocates for social change and inclusivity. This initiative marks a significant step forward in our mission to foster an equitable society where everyone, regardless of physical ability, has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.