The results of a study on “Firms, Kinship and Economic Growth in the Kyrgyz Republic” 

December 12, 2019

The Economics Department of AUCA and Crossroads Central Asia, an independent research institute, are pleased to invite you to the presentation of the results of a study on “Firms, Kinship and Economic Growth in the Kyrgyz Republic”. 

The research was led by Dr. Paul Dower (University of Wisconsin - Madison), funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and conducted locally by Crossroads Central Asia. The research addressed the question of whether kinship networks help promote entrepreneurship or impede its development in Kyrgyzstan. 

The seminar will include remarks by Dr. Andrew Kuchins (President, AUCA), Dr. Shlomo Weber (President, New Economic School, Russia), presentation by Drs. Paul Castañeda Dower and Theodore Gerber (University of Wisconsin - Madison). Discussants will include Dr. Nurgul Ukueva and Professor Zarylbek Kudabaev of AUCA.

Research project summary

Private sector development and the entrepreneurial activity that drives it are central to economic growth. To function well, the private sector requires institutions that clearly define property rights and enforce contracts. In Central Asia, there is a broad consensus that kin ties are important in shaping and/or providing an alternative to formal institutions designed to support the private sector.

In this research, we ask whether kinship networks help promote entrepreneurship or impede its development. We will conduct a survey of firm managers/entrepreneurs about the nature of their family and friendship networks, what kinds of business and non-business resources they receive from and provide to their various contacts as well as measures of their firms’ performance and business environment. With this information, we can examine whether kinship ties are promoting or hindering entrepreneurship, capital accumulation and growth. Incorporating the role of kinship or even leveraging kin-ties could improve institutional policy design.

Date and time: December 16th, 2019, 14:00-16:00

Venue: Room T16, American University of Central Asia, 7/6 Aaly Tokombaev Str., Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan  

Language: The presentation will be conducted in English language

Registration: Please confirm your participation by emailing assist_econ@auca.kg.

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