Acknoledgment

This project was produced as part of the project "Caucasus and Central Asia Research on Social Innovation: Development Assistance, Innovation and Societal Transformation (CARSI)", funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) grant of the European Union within the Horizon 2020 framework. The grant agreement ID is 101086415.

This research was supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) of Portugal, facilitating my mobility period in Kyrgyzstan. Special thanks go to the SIAR Office in Bishkek, the Center for Social Studies (CES) at the University of Coimbra, and the Faculty of Economics (FEUC) for their invaluable support.

I am deeply grateful to my Ph.D. supervisor for his guidance and unwavering support and also for the professors that lead and coordinate the CARSI project in Portugal and also in Ireland. Additionally, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my Russian teachers in Bishkek, Madame Gulzat and Madame Zarina, for their dedication and assistance during the mobility.

This study benefitted from the insights and cooperation of numerous individuals and institutions, whose contributions were instrumental. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the various public and private stakeholders in Kyrgyzstan, including relevant ministries, financial institutions, international organizations, and local associations. Their participation in discussions and willingness to share their experiences significantly enriched this research and myself personally. I am deeply touched by the generosity of all.