Innovative Mechanisms of Renewable Energy Development Strategies in Central Asian Countries

Abstract

This study examines public engagement in sustainable development initiatives across Central Asia, focusing on the “knowledge-action gap” between awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and actual participation. A mixed-methods approach combines survey data (2023-2024), qualitative analysis, and logistic regression with mediation and robustness checks. The results reveal a substantial gap between awareness (≈50-55%) and participation (10-22%). Participation is primarily associated with information exposure, internet access, and institutional trust. Mediation analysis shows that transparency and accountability affect participation both directly and indirectly via trust, while campaign effectiveness increases in high-trust contexts. A significant urban-rural divide is observed, largely driven by digital access disparities. The study proposes a theory of change and practical engagement strategies, including hybrid communication, low-threshold channels, and participatory mechanisms. A 12-month implementation roadmap and a data framework with measurable KPIs are also developed. The findings contribute to understanding participation drivers in the region and support evidence-based policy design. Limitations relate to self-reported data and cross-sectional structure; future research should apply longitudinal and experimental approaches.