Another Meeting Was Held Within the Framework of the EU-Funded Micro-GEAR Project
05-06-2025
Another working meeting was held at the Georgian Technical University within the framework of the EU ERASMUS+ project – “Implementing Micro-Certification in the Higher Education Systems of Georgia and Armenia: A Lighthouse for the South Caucasus” (Micro-GEAR).
The purpose of the meeting is to raise awareness about the possibility of introducing a microcredit system in the Georgian higher education system and to provide the public with information about the activities carried out to date within the framework of the project, which mainly includes training sessions, which, in turn, aim to strengthen regional capacities for integrating micro-certifications into the higher education system.
The three-year project, which began in January of last year, involves 16 institutions from 6 countries, and the Georgian Technical University is the lead organization of the consortium and the project coordinator.
The project partners and beneficiaries include the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, as well as the Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia, the National Centers for Quality Development, universities, and research centers from both countries.
The project partners from European countries are:
As Academician David Gurgenidze notes, Micro-GEAR is the first international initiative in the field of micro-certification, which aims to support and develop the higher education systems of Georgia and Armenia.
“We take on a great responsibility to implement education reforms based on European standards and to be an example of innovation and cooperation in the South Caucasus. Against the backdrop of ongoing changes in the global labor market and the rapidly growing need for highly qualified education, micro-certification is becoming an important tool that promotes the recognition of competence, creates flexible educational paths, and fills the gap that traditional certification cannot cover. The role of micro-certification in vocational education and training (VET) systems only strengthens their value and relevance.
In this context, one of the most progressive aspects of the project is the development of a new generation of micro-certification ambassadors and enthusiasts among policymakers and academics in the region. These professionals will have the opportunity to continue collaborating with European colleagues who are actively implementing micro-certification in their educational programs. This is a turning point for knowledge sharing, strengthening regional competence, and long-term partnerships.
It is important to highlight the significant role of Georgian Technical University, which serves as the consortium leader and project coordinator for this initiative. Bringing together 16 educational and research institutions from six countries is a considerable responsibility. Nevertheless, the researchers, academic staff, and administration at our university are handling this challenge with professionalism, enthusiasm, and strategic vision.
We are beginning to see the outcomes of this effort, including progress toward policy harmonization, the development of institutional frameworks, and the active engagement of stakeholders from both within and outside the region. These achievements demonstrate the collaborative efforts of Georgian Technical University and its project partners.
Micro-GEAR represents more than just a project; it is a strategic movement aimed at creating a more flexible, inclusive, and modern education system that can adapt to a rapidly changing environment”, this is how the Rector of Georgian Technical University assesses the significance of the project and the contributions of the scientists involved.
The purpose of the meeting is to raise awareness about the possibility of introducing a microcredit system in the Georgian higher education system and to provide the public with information about the activities carried out to date within the framework of the project, which mainly includes training sessions, which, in turn, aim to strengthen regional capacities for integrating micro-certifications into the higher education system.
The three-year project, which began in January of last year, involves 16 institutions from 6 countries, and the Georgian Technical University is the lead organization of the consortium and the project coordinator.
The project partners and beneficiaries include the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, as well as the Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia, the National Centers for Quality Development, universities, and research centers from both countries.
The project partners from European countries are:
- Saarland (Germany),
- Carlos III University of Madrid (Spain),
- Agnello Merone European University of Rome (Italy),
- CIMEA – Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence Association (Italy),
- Consulting company GIRAF PM e.K. (Germany).
As Academician David Gurgenidze notes, Micro-GEAR is the first international initiative in the field of micro-certification, which aims to support and develop the higher education systems of Georgia and Armenia.
“We take on a great responsibility to implement education reforms based on European standards and to be an example of innovation and cooperation in the South Caucasus. Against the backdrop of ongoing changes in the global labor market and the rapidly growing need for highly qualified education, micro-certification is becoming an important tool that promotes the recognition of competence, creates flexible educational paths, and fills the gap that traditional certification cannot cover. The role of micro-certification in vocational education and training (VET) systems only strengthens their value and relevance.
In this context, one of the most progressive aspects of the project is the development of a new generation of micro-certification ambassadors and enthusiasts among policymakers and academics in the region. These professionals will have the opportunity to continue collaborating with European colleagues who are actively implementing micro-certification in their educational programs. This is a turning point for knowledge sharing, strengthening regional competence, and long-term partnerships.
It is important to highlight the significant role of Georgian Technical University, which serves as the consortium leader and project coordinator for this initiative. Bringing together 16 educational and research institutions from six countries is a considerable responsibility. Nevertheless, the researchers, academic staff, and administration at our university are handling this challenge with professionalism, enthusiasm, and strategic vision.
We are beginning to see the outcomes of this effort, including progress toward policy harmonization, the development of institutional frameworks, and the active engagement of stakeholders from both within and outside the region. These achievements demonstrate the collaborative efforts of Georgian Technical University and its project partners.
Micro-GEAR represents more than just a project; it is a strategic movement aimed at creating a more flexible, inclusive, and modern education system that can adapt to a rapidly changing environment”, this is how the Rector of Georgian Technical University assesses the significance of the project and the contributions of the scientists involved.
