Register online for the International Workshop on Critical Raw Materials and the Prospects for Structural Transformation in Central Asia

Register now for the International Workshop on Geopolitical Dynamics and Structural Transformation in Central Asia. This workshop, organized by the ERC Starting Grant research programme Green Industrial Policy in the Age of Rare Metals (GRIP-ARM), in collaboration with esteemed partners including the Kazakhstan Science Fund JSC, Nazarbayev University, SDSN Kazakhstan, and DSIT UK grant to Cavendish Laboratory and Cambridge Central Asia Forum, University of Cambridge, promises to be a significant gathering of minds and expertise in the realm of geopolitical analysis and regional development.

• Date: May 14-15, 2024
• Location: Astana, Kazakhstan / online
• Registration Zoom link: https://eur-nl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vv93juT-RFq252bzz4JdvA

The workshop seeks to delve into the complex interplay of geopolitical dynamics, technological advancement, and structural transformation in Central Asia, particularly in the context of the accelerating global competition for critical raw materials (CRMs) and the imperative of decarbonization. As Central Asia emerges as a key player in global supply chains and manufacturing, understanding the nuances of its evolving role becomes paramount.

Our distinguished convenors, including Jewellord T. Nem Singh, Serik Orazgaliyev, and Siddharth Saxena, bring to the table a wealth of expertise spanning diverse fields such as political economy, public policy, materials science, and regional studies. Their insights, coupled with the contributions of scholars and practitioners from various disciplines, promise to enrich the discussions and shape the discourse on Central Asia’s trajectory in the global arena.

Programme

* All times are listed in ALMT (UTC+6; Astana, Kazakhstan).
* The following programme is subject to change.

Day 1: 14 May 2024 (Tuesday)

• Jojo Nem Singh, (GRIP-ARM Project Leader and ISS, Erasmus University)
• Siddharth S Saxena, (Director Cambridge Central Asia Forun, Jesus College & Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge)
• Serik Orazgaliyev, (Co-Chair, SSDN, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan & Cambridge Central Asia Forum)

14:00 – 15:00 GRIP-ARM Presentation

• Jojo Nem Singh (GRIP-ARM & ISS, Hague): EU strategy on raw materials access
• Nurjaz Akylbek (GRIP-ARM & ISS, Hague) Industrial Policy and Foreign Direct Investment in Critical Raw Materials in Kazakhstan
• Q&A

Moderator: Serik Orazgaliyev (Co-Chair, SSDN, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan)

15:00 – 15:30 Break

15:30 – 16:30 Brazilian Critical Minerals and Energy Transition Strategy

• Eliza Massi, Energy and Critical Mining Senior Adviser, Trade and Investment Department, Embassy of Brazil in London
• Q&A

Moderator: Jojo Nem Singh (GRIP-ARM & ISS, Hague)

16:30 – 17:00 Day Closing Discussion

Moderator: Siddharth S Saxena (University of Cambridge)

Day 2: 15 May 2024 (Wednesday)

10:00-10:30 Presentation: GreenPaths Horizon Europe Project

• Daniel Chavez, Transnational Institute: Energy transition or mere energy expansion? Debunking common myths.
• Q&A

Moderator: Jojo Nem Singh (GRIP-ARM & ISS, Hague)

10:30 – 11:00 Break

11:00 – 12:30 Central Asia presentations 1

• Siddharth Saxena (University of Cambridge): Central Asia’s Role in Global Sustainable Development Through Novel Scientific and Industrial Interconnections
• Chokan Laumulin (Kazakh British Technical University, Almaty) Sustaining Research of CRMs for Green Transition: Uneasy Developmental Choices of Central Asia
• Hayrullo Hamidov (Navoi State University of Mining and Technologies): Research Collaboration between Navoi State University of Mining and Technologies and Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company.
• Zhandos Utegulov (Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan): High-tech sensing for metallurgy: advanced laser-based real-time non-destructive thermo-mechanical monitoring of critical rare metal alloys during their thermal hardening
• Q&A

Moderator: Serik Orazgaliyev (Co-Chair, SSDN, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan)

13:30 – 15:00 Central Asia presentations 2

• Franco Gadini (University of Manchester) & Frank Maracchione (Sheffield University): The Limits to State Capitalism? Chinese Investments in EVs in Uzbekistan
• Anjali Singh (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations): Critical Raw Materials for Low-carbon Technologies: Advancing Supply Stability via Circular Economy Implementation
• Ikboljon Qoraboyev (Maqsut Narikbayev University): Critical minerals as an emerging pillar of centrality of Central Asia in new geoeconomic order

Moderator: Siddharth S Saxena (University of Cambridge)

15:00-15:30 Session on data collection and fieldwork methods

• Identify challenges and opportunities in data collection in the region.
• Mobilize partnerships to support individual and collective research.
• Identify steps on how to support research in Central Asia concretely

Moderator: Jojo Nem Singh (GRIP-ARM & ISS, Hague)

15:30-16:00 Break

16:00-17:00 Closing Session and Moving Forward

Moderator: Jojo Nem Singh (GRIP-ARM & ISS, Hague)