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On September 2024-3, 4, Tamar Lominadze, a member of the Higher Education Reform Experts (HEREs), with the support of the Erasmus+ National Office in Georgia, participated in the event - "Strengthening University-Industry Cooperation for Current and Future Employment, Innovation and Sustainable Ecosystems". The event was hosted by TAMK University of Applied Sciences, Tampere, Finland.

The main goals and objectives of the research visit were a general overview of strategic cooperation between universities and industries based on the experience of TAMK, study of practical examples of cooperation between universities and industries in the direction of learning and teaching, as well as research and innovation. Within the framework of the visit, attention was paid to the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in increasing local employment and developing sustainability. Finally, the aim was to develop partnerships and find strategies to help create and implement similar collaborative models in the context of HERE.

During the research visit, a member of the HERE group, Tamar Lominadze, had the opportunity to visit several "living laboratories" operating at Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK). These laboratories are centers of innovation built on the principle of close cooperation with industrial partners. "Living Labs" clearly demonstrated how academia and industry can collaborate for mutual benefit, contributing to both the development of academic research and the improvement of industrial processes. Each laboratory is an example of a successful integration of industrial needs and academic expertise, contributing to the development of innovation and the acquisition of practical experience.

The high involvement of students in the research and product development process is particularly noteworthy. Students actively participated in various stages of innovation, voiced new ideas and gained valuable practical experience. This collaborative approach not only enriches the students' educational process, but also allows companies to tap into the creative ideas and enthusiasm of young researchers. These laboratories have created important bridges between theory and practice that bring real benefits to both students and industrial partners.

During the research visit, several innovative models and practices were identified, which offer significant opportunities to Georgian higher education institutions. In particular, they will be able to strengthen cooperation with public and private sectors. Below are the main practices and their possible implementation procedures in Georgia, based on the analysis of the higher education reform expert Tamar Lominadze:

• Work Oriented Learning (WIL) – At TAMK, students get hands-on experience working on real industrial projects that benefit both students and businesses. Implementation in Georgia: Universities can collaborate with local industries such as IT, agriculture and tourism to create internship programs or course modules linked to real projects. This will increase graduate employability and offer businesses an innovative way to solve problems. 

• Entrepreneurship and innovation hubs – TAMK's "Living Labs" promote collaboration between students, researchers and entrepreneurs. The goal is to promote the development of startups and innovations. Implementation in Georgia: Entrepreneurship hubs should be created in universities that provide mentorship, co-working spaces and seed funding to promote the development of startups and the creation of innovative ecosystems that will play an important role in economic growth.

1. Multidisciplinary project-based learning – TAMK's project-based learning approach allows students from various fields to work on industry challenges, enhancing teamwork and problem-solving skills. Implementation in Georgia: Universities may introduce a project-based learning model in which students from different faculties work together on projects of industrial importance, particularly in the agriculture and tourism sectors, to address complex local challenges.
2. Continuing education programs – TAMK focuses on continuing education, offering professionals flexible, industry-aligned training programs for skill enhancement. Implementation in Georgia: Universities, in collaboration with industry, can expand professional development courses, especially in fast-growing fields such as digital technologies, renewable energy and healthcare.
3. Public sector cooperation in the direction of research and development - TAMK- cooperates with public institutions, which promotes research and responds to specific challenges of sectors, especially in the field of health and social services. Implementation in Georgia: Universities can partner with government agencies to focus on regional development, health care reform, and environmental sustainability, while linking research to national priorities.

Conclusion By introducing these models - work-oriented learning, entrepreneurship hubs, project-based learning, lifelong education and cooperation with the public sector - Georgian universities will be able to develop innovations, improve the employment opportunities of graduates and ensure the relevance of higher education to social and market needs, which will contribute to the process of national development. .

Enhancing University-Industry Collaboration for current and future employment, innovation and Sustainable Ecosystems

On 3-4 September 2024, Tamar Lominadze, member of the HEREs in Georgia, with the support of National Erasmus+ Office in Georgia, took part in the on-site event titled "Enhancing University-Industry Collaboration for current and future employment, innovation and Sustainable Ecosystems” hosted by TAMK University of Applied Sciences in Tampere, Finland. 

The main goals and objectives of the study visit was to receive an overview regarding strategic university-industry collaboration from TAMK, in relation to its environment. Also, to observe practical examples of university-industry collaboration for teaching and learning and for research and innovation. As well as to explore how HEI can contribute to local employability and sustainability goals and develop partnerships to this effect, and finally, to identify strategies for implementing similar collaborative models in the context of the HERE.

During the study visit, HERE member Tamar Lominadze had the opportunity to explore several living laboratories operating at Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK). These labs served as innovation hubs designed around close collaboration with industry partners. The living labs demonstrated how academia and industry can engage in mutually beneficial cooperation, enhancing both academic research and industrial operations. Each lab showcased the successful integration of industry needs with academic expertise, driving forward innovation while providing practical, hands-on learning opportunities for students.

What particularly stood out to Tamar Lominadze was the high level of student involvement in research and the product development process. Students actively participated in various stages of innovation, contributing fresh ideas and gaining valuable real-world experience. This collaborative approach not only enriched the students' educational journey but also allowed companies to benefit from the creativity and energy of young researchers. These labs acted as vital bridges between theory and practice, ensuring tangible benefits for both students and industry partners.

During the study visit, several innovative models and practices stood out, offering valuable opportunities for Georgian higher education institutions to enhance engagement with public and private sectors. Below are key practices observed and their potential implementation in Georgia.

1. Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) At TAMK, students gain practical experience by working on real industry projects, benefiting both students and businesses. Implementation in Georgia: Universities can partner with local industries, such as IT, agriculture, and tourism, to develop internship programs or course modules tied to real-world projects. This would improve graduate employability and provide businesses with innovative solutions.
2. Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hubs TAMK's Live Lab fosters collaboration among students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to drive innovation and startup development. Implementation in Georgia: Establish entrepreneurship hubs within universities, offering mentorship, co-working spaces, and seed funding to cultivate startups and innovation ecosystems that contribute to economic growth.
3. Multidisciplinary Project-Based Learning TAMK's PBL approach enables students from different fields to collaborate on industry challenges, enhancing teamwork and problem-solving skills. Implementation in Georgia: Universities can introduce project-based learning, where students from diverse faculties work together on industry-relevant projects, particularly in agriculture and tourism, addressing complex local challenges.
4. Lifelong Learning Programs TAMK emphasizes continuous education, offering flexible, industry-tailored training programs for professionals to reskill and upskill. Implementation in Georgia: Universities can expand professional development courses in collaboration with industries, particularly in fast-evolving fields like digital technology, renewable energy, and healthcare.
5. Public Sector Collaboration in R&D TAMK's partnerships with public institutions advance research and address sector-specific challenges, particularly in health and social care. Implementation in Georgia: Universities can form partnerships with government agencies to focus on regional development, healthcare reform, and environmental sustainability, aligning research with national priorities.

Conclusion By adopting these models—work-integrated learning, entrepreneurship hubs, project-based learning, lifelong education, and public-sector collaboration—Georgian universities can foster innovation, improve graduate employability, and align higher education with societal and market needs, contributing to national development.