"Work4CE 4.0: Integration of Education and Industry for the Future" -Round-Table Discussion Held with Participation of Foreign and Local Experts at AzUAC

A meeting dedicated to the implementation of the “Work4CE 4.0: Integration of Education and Industry for the Future” model in the Azerbaijani education system was held within the framework of the pilot training week organized by the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (AzUAC).

The round table discussion meeting was attended by vice-rectors of AzUAC Akif Gasimov, Nargiz Abdullayeva, Orkhan Naghdiyev, the coordinator of the WORK4CE project Isa Muradov and project members, the director of the Erasmus+ Azerbaijan National Office Parviz Baghirov, representatives from the Fourth Industrial Revolution Analysis and Coordination Center under the Ministry of Economy, leading figures of partner companies (PMD, Leobank, Siemens Azerbaijan, Norm Cement, PD&MS Group, AzInvest Holding, Nord West, Baku City Residence, etc.), and foreign experts participating in the Pilot Training Week.
 
During the discussion, brief information was provided about the purpose of the project and the importance of the “Work4CE 4.0: Integration of Education and Industry for the Future” model.

The round table discussion aims to apply foreign experience to the Azerbaijani education system, focusing on “Learning from European success stories - university and industry collaboration.” Simultaneously, it contributes to the implementation of the task “Formation of the ‘3.2.2.4. Science-Industry Cluster 4.0’ of the Social-Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022/2026.” Considering that the Center for Analysis and Coordination Analysis and Coordination (C4IRC Azerbaijan) under the Fourth Industrial Revolution under Ministry of Economy is the main executor of this task, coordination is ensured.

During the discussion, experts from KU Leuven in Belgium, Professor Peter Arras, Professor Galina Tabunshchyk from National University “Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic” of Ukraine, and other foreign experts proposed innovative ways to strengthen collaboration between universities and businesses.

From 4IRC, Aziza Vidadi, the head of the Analysis and Monitoring Department of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Analysis and Coordination Center, had a presentation highlighting the role of 4IRC Azerbaijan in promoting Industry 4.0 in Azerbaijan emphasizing current initiatives, partnerships with educational institutions, and future goals.

The summary of the main points discussed during the meeting included defining a roadmap for expanding relations between universities and business institutions, and outlining the next steps for implementing collaboration between university and industrial institutions.

It is noteworthy that the aim of the project is to discuss practical strategies for integrating Work 4.0 concepts into Azerbaijani universities’ interdisciplinary approaches to education and industry cooperation by sharing experiences of European universities in integrating Work 4.0 concepts into education and industry collaboration.