Central Asia possesses a lot of natural resources in terms of oil, gold, uranium, etc. The region is a big supplier of hydrocarbons and rare metals to technologically developed OECD countries. Nowadays, the regional paradigm of attracting more foreign direct investments to CA is being transformed into exchanging natural resources for advanced technologies and innovations. This good idea is difficult to implement, taking into account sensitivity of Central Asia to current challenges of religious extremism and all-pervasive corruption of local authorities. Hence, CAIDS research focuses on finding the balance between any socio-economic reforms, new technology transfers to Central Asia, and regional security minimizing the risk of its use in improper way.
