Short-term research internship at the Institute of Social and Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba (Tsukuba, Japan)

Head of the Department of Economics of the Higher School of Economics and Business, G.R. Dauliyeva, Associate Professor G.K. Andabaeva, and Senior Lecturer A.Ye. Kaliyeva completed a short-term research internship at the Institute of Social and Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba (Tsukuba, Japan) from July 11 to 19, 2025, within the framework of the research project AP23489032 “A Study of the Impact of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises on Reducing Income Inequality and Poverty in the Regions of Kazakhstan in the Context of Mitigating Local Risks of Social Turbulence.” During the internship, the participants discussed with leading university experts the results of studies conducted under the project and received consultations on improving the research methodology for subsequent stages. In addition, they became acquainted with practical research on small and medium-sized enterprises carried out at the Institute, examined current challenges and emerging trends in this field, and discussed possible solutions based on international experience and the knowledge gained. Reducing poverty and inequality is a key objective of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate poverty and promote shared prosperity on a sustainable basis. In this context, a consultation with leading university researchers was conducted to identify and refine methodological approaches for examining the impact of small and medium-sized enterprises on inequality and poverty under conditions of high economic volatility. The discussion also outlined promising directions for future collaborative research projects to be implemented within the framework of the current initiative.