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- Convenor:
-
Oyuna Baldakova
(King's College London)
Send message to Convenor
- Chair:
-
Elisa Oreglia
(King's College London)
- Discussant:
-
Elisa Oreglia
(King's College London)
- Format:
- Panel
- Theme:
- Political Science, International Relations, and Law
- Location:
- Debate club (Floor 7)
- Sessions:
- Saturday 8 June, -
Time zone: Asia/Almaty
Abstract:
By actively engaging in bilateral collaborations and facilitating the expansion of its technological giants, China has become a key player in shaping Central Asia's information and communication technology (ICT) sector. The proposed panel seeks to explore the impact of Chinese technology on the evolving socio-technological fabric of Central Asia. The four papers provide insights into China's digital influence, shedding light on its role in smart city development, technological influence, and electronic hardware production. Together, these contributions illuminate China's growing role in shaping the technological, economic, and policy landscapes of Central Asia.
The first paper explores the implications of smart city technologies in China and Central Asia, focusing on personal data collection, use, and protection. It provides insights into the facets of smart city infrastructure, highlighting how various technologies contribute to urban development goals. The examination of regulatory frameworks and privacy safeguards addresses the challenges associated with the intersection of smart cities and personal data in both regions. The second paper concentrates on China's expanding technological influence in Uzbekistan and explores partnerships and agreements in the ICT sector. By examining the establishment of a 'safe city' and the integration of Chinese technological brands, it offers a deeper understanding of how China employs technology as a tool of 'soft power' in Central Asia.
The third paper presents an exploration of Kazakhstan's electronic hardware industry, examining historical roots, current status, and global dependencies. It examines technological sovereignty and high-tech development goals in Kazakhstan, specifically addressing China's significant role in the country's electronics sector. The analysis of partnerships between Kazakhstani hardware producers and Chinese counterparts contributes to the overall narrative of technological (inter)dependence. The final paper delves into China's digital economy and its influence on Central Asia. It emphasizes China's attempts to set the rules for the operation of the entire digital infrastructure. Highlighting China as a model for digitalization, the paper aims to explore the potential borrowing of China's experience in the Kazakhstani digitalization journey.
Interrelated themes across the papers include the role of Chinese tech companies, the impact of digitalization on urban and economic development, and the intricate relationships between Central Asian countries and China in the technological domain. By presenting these papers together, the panel will provide a better understanding of China's digital influence and the multifaceted transformations occurring in Central Asia, sparking insightful discussions on the region's evolving socio-technological dynamics.
Accepted papers:
Session 1 Saturday 8 June, 2024, -Abstract:
This article examines the dynamics of China's growing technological influence in Central Asia, with a specific focus on Uzbekistan. Through a systemic analysis of the numerous agreements in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) between Uzbekistan and China, it investigates the mechanisms underlying a broader technological partnership between Beijing and Tashkent. This partnership encompasses the establishment of a 'safe city,' the integration of renowned Chinese technological brands, and various other aspects shaping this collaborative framework.
While acknowledging China's strong presence in Uzbekistan, the article examines the alignment of these technological strategies with the unique socio-economic and political context of Uzbekistan. It probes the broader implications of the sustained presence of Chinese technology companies in the region, evaluating the extent to which Uzbekistan's comprehensive reforms and technological advancements contribute to the consolidation of these positions.
Throughout the analysis, the article underscores the instrumental role of China's technological presence in Central Asia as a powerful tool of “soft power.” It raises questions about how China strategically employs technology as a form of “soft power” in Central Asia, assessing the congruence of China’s overarching strategic goals and their adaptability within the nuanced context of Uzbekistan. By delving into these complexities, the article aims to offer a deeper understanding of the multifaceted interplay between China's increasing technological presence and the socio-economic dynamics of Uzbekistan within the broader Central Asian landscape.
Abstract:
Abstract: The advent of smart city technologies has transformed urban landscapes in both China and Central Asia, ushering in an era of unprecedented connectivity and efficiency. However, this technological metamorphosis raises significant questions about the collection, use, and protection of personal data within the context of urban development. This paper presents an examination of the role that digital technologies play in shaping smart cities in China and Central Asia, with a specific focus on the implications for personal data.
The study delves into the facets of smart city infrastructure, including surveillance systems, IoT devices, and data analytics, to understand how these technologies contribute to urban development goals. It critically evaluates the ways in which personal data is gathered, processed, and utilized in the pursuit of efficiency, sustainability, and improved quality of life.
Furthermore, the paper explores the regulatory frameworks and privacy safeguards in place to address the challenges associated with the intersection of smart cities and personal data in both regions. Through case studies and comparative analyses, it seeks to identify best practices, potential concerns, and areas for improvement in the evolving landscape of smart city development.
By providing insights into the complex relationship between digital technologies, urban development, and personal data, this study contributes to a broader understanding of the socio-technological dynamics shaping the future of cities in China and Central Asia.