The Industry Advisory Board has been established at Kutaisi International University, which includes representatives of the world's leading companies and members of business associations. The Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli opened the first meeting of the Council in an online format.
Mikheil Chkhenkeli introduced the concept and future plans of Kutaisi International University to the members of the newly established Board and emphasized the role and importance of the Industry Advisory Board. The Minister noted that the establishment of the Council for the Development of the University is a story of strategic importance, which will play a major role in establishing academic programs and training students in accordance with the requirements of the labour market. Together with the Advisory Board, which is composed of renowned and leading scientists from around the world, the Industry Advisory Board ensures the development of the University in accordance with world and international labour market standards.
Mikheil Chkhenkeli emphasized that the author of the idea and concept of the university belongs to Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili. The university of international importance was founded as a result of his and his family's extremely important charity.
The Minister summarized the results already achieved by Kutaisi International University and noted that in 2020 the University received the first flow of students, which is an event of historical significance. The current academic programs at the University are analogous to those of the University of Munich.
Mikheil Chkhenkeli spoke about the approaches that lead to the internationalization of Kutaisi International University. In particular, academic programs are created in collaboration with a leading university in a particular field. Foreign professors are involved in the academic life of the university together with their Georgian counterparts.
As the Minister noted, the Hadron Therapy Centre will ensure the involvement of foreign science in the development of science at Kutaisi International University. Together, they will conduct modern research in medical and nuclear physics. Two cyclotrons will be placed for medical and research purposes.
Prof. Wolfgang Hermann, Rector Alexander Tevzadze, Rector, Niko Chkhetiani, Chairman of the Board of the Cartu International Charitable Foundation addressed the members of the Council and spoke about the importance of the Industry Advisory Board in university life.
The members of the Industry Advisory Board are representatives of such large organizations as: Siemens, Hilti Group, Deloitte DCE, PEPDesign, European Aeronautical Defence and Space Company (EADS Germany), German Business Association (DWV), Federation of Business Leaders Women for the Future, Georgian Business Association, American Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Georgia.
The purpose of the council is to support Kutaisi International University, to ensure a successful partnership with industry and to prepare students in accordance with the requirements of the labour market.