GEAR - The Greater Eurasia Research Center

Introduction

The Greater Eurasia Research Center (GEAR) is a forward-thinking institution initiated by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. GEAR is regionally located at HKUST in Hong Kong and at New Uzbekistan University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. GEAR is devoted to exploring the diverse and evolving dynamics of the Eurasian region. GEAR aims for interdisciplinary research and academic excellence, probing into the historical, contemporary, and future aspects of Eurasia’s economic, social, technological, and political landscapes.

Our Mission

At GEAR, our aspiration is to emerge as a leader in addressing the distinctive challenges and opportunities of the Eurasian region. We are dedicated to generating groundbreaking research and promoting a collaborative environment among scholars, policymakers, industry experts, and communities. We extend beyond the realm of traditional academia, actively participating in both regional and international academic discussions, public policy debates, and development ventures. GEAR operates as an engaging research hub, a vibrant think tank, and a platform for influential research, aiming to contribute significantly to our understanding of Eurasia's past, present, and future.

Our Objectives

At GEAR, our main objective is to contribute to the development of society and the economy in Eurasia. This reflects our commitment to being at the forefront of Eurasian studies, fostering a deeper understanding of the region through a blend of innovative research, impactful policy work, and comprehensive educational efforts.

Interdisciplinary Research:

We use a range of methods to explore Eurasia's technological, financial, political, social, economic, and business aspects. We embrace a multi-dimensional approach to grasp the complexities of the region.

Joint Projects:

We are dedicated to promoting and supporting collaborative research projects. These projects bring together scholars with a keen interest in Eurasia, aiming to enrich our understanding of the region.

Influential Publications:

Our efforts extend to creating policy and research publications that offer new perspectives and insights, thereby contributing significantly to international discussions about Eurasian challenges and developments.

Collaborative Networks:

GEAR forms solid connections with leading universities, government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations worldwide. These collaborations are key to our expansive and inclusive research approach.

Global and Local Integration:

As a platform for international collaboration, GEAR bridges global researchers with local expertise and resources. We encourage local researchers to present their work on an international scale, thereby blending global insights with regional analysis.

Policy Recommendations:

Our approach centers on crafting well-researched, data-driven policy recommendations to address critical issues in the Eurasian region. Our goal is to provide practical, impactful insights that can effectively guide and inform policy decisions. We utilize advanced research methods to address developmental challenges and offer strategic policy advice to governments and business sectors.

Policy Intervention and Evaluation:

We actively engage in policy design interventions. This includes collaborating closely with policymakers to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of these changes. Our research guides policy interventions, and the results of these policies further inform our research endeavors.

Educational Excellence:

Our comprehensive interdisciplinary training is designed to cultivate critical thinking and a deep understanding of Eurasia among students and professionals. for collaboration with international experts to refine research projects and develop publishable papers and policy recommendations.

Database for Central Asia:

In response to the region's need for comprehensive research data, we are developing an extensive database, encompassing technological, social, economic, and business aspects of Central Asia. Our database aims to be a pivotal resource for evidence-based, in-depth research, and an essential asset for scholars and policymakers.

Organizational Structure

Prof. David Cook

Co-Director

Email: davcook@ust.hk

Prof. Shlomo Weber

Co-Director

Email: sweber@mail.smu.edu

Prof. Dr. Paul Dower

Senior Director for Research

Email: pdower@wisc.edu

Dinara Datbayeva

Director of Operations and Administration

Email: dinaraiub@gmail.com

Dr. Bahtiyor Eshchanov

Deputy Director, Tashkent

Email: b.eshchanov@newuu.uz

Dr. Alisher Aldashev

Deputy Director, Almaty

Email:

Oxana Budjko

Director of International Partnerships and Regional Coordination

Email: o.budjko@newuu.uz

Dr. Pengshan Pan

Principal Research Coordinator

Email: p.pengshan@newuu.uz

Supervisory Board

Karl Johansson

Chair

Prof. Albert Park

Chief Economist, Asian Development Bank

Lionel Ni

President, HKUST Guangzhou

Bakhtiyor Yuldashev

Vice-Rector for Innovation and Research, New Uzbekistan University

International Advisory Board

Professor Steve Durlauf

University of Chicago (Head)

Professor Eyal Winter

Lancaster University

Professor Felix Elwert

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Professor Hans Wiesmeth

Technical University of Dresden

Professor Jennifer Murtazashvili

University of Pittsburgh

Professor Klaus Desmet

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Professor Larry Blume

Cornell University

Professor Paul Dower

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Professor Song Xi

University of Pennsylvania

Professor Ted Gerber

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Prof. Michael Alexeev

IndianaUniversity

Prof. Charles Becker

Duke University

Projects Currently Undertaken by GEAR
Current Research Programs

1. Natural Resources & Environment

- Water management, climate adaptation, and sustainability
- Renewable energy, food security, irrigation efficiency

2. Economic Development & Financial Systems

- BRI impact, foreign investment, and trade corridors
- Infrastructure finance, mining towns, regional inequality, Islamic banking and financial inclusion

3. Education, Human Capital & Migration

- Social mobility surveys, gender and education, parent engagement initiatives

4. Technology, Innovation & Digital Governance

- Adoption of green technologies, digital tools, and governance platforms
- Knowledge transfer, technology adoption, local innovation systems

5. Governance, Law & History

- Customary law, rural governance, and institutional trust
- Projects: Fieldwork in Uzbek villages, archival research with Freie Universität Berlin

GEAR Events

12.06.2025

2025 HKUST GEAR Conference on Trade and Development

The 2025 HKUST GEAR Conference on Trade and Development was held on June 10-11, 2025, at the Hong...

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14.10.2024

Special Lecture with Nobel Laureate Jean Tirole Engages New Uzbekistan University Students

On October 14, New Uzbekistan University had the distinguished honor of hosting Nobel Laureate Jean Tirole for...

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02.10.2025

ENERGY TRANSITION - A CRITICAL REVIEW CO2 policies in Europe often follow a "central planning"

In the past, this has lead to substantial inefficiencies, raising the cost of climate policy and over time eroding political support...

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28.07.2025

Coordination with Sequential Information Acquisition

The paper "Coordination with Sequential Information Acquisition" co-authored by Dr. Xiaoye Liao, Professor of New Uzbekistan University Department of Economics, and Professor Michal Szkup of the University...

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11.04.2025

Asian Development Bank Outlook 2025 Report

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Resident Mission in Uzbekistan held a presentation of the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2025 at the New Uzbekistan University...

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The Greater Eurasia Research Center (GEAR)

Introduction

Our Mission

Our Objectives