On March 4, StrategEast President Anatoly Motkin moderated a high-profile panel discussion titled Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry Needs at the annual ICT Association of Georgia conference. The panel brought together key leaders from Georgia’s top universities and technology training institutions to address the alignment of academic programs with the evolving demands of the digital economy.
The discussion featured prominent panelists, including Irene Melua, Vice President of Caucasus University; Ketevan Darakhvelidze, Chancellor of Ilia State University; Maia Noniashvili, Chancellor and Professor at Business and Technology University (BTU); Giorgi Mariamidze, CEO of SkillWill; and Magda Tsintsadze, Head of Practical Informatics Chair at Tbilisi State University (TSU).
The panel explored crucial topics such as the structure and reach of university technology programs, industry collaborations, student employment rates, and how the private sector can further support academic institutions in developing relevant curricula. Panelists shared insights into student enrollment trends, the balance between local and international students, and the effectiveness of existing partnerships between academia and industry.
Discussions also highlighted the challenges graduates face in transitioning to the workforce, the role of additional industry-driven courses, and the accreditation of academic programs. The panelists emphasized the need for deeper cooperation with private-sector stakeholders, including joint educational initiatives, specialized training programs, and certification processes that better prepare students for careers in technology.
The session concluded with a forward-looking discussion on upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening industry-academic collaboration. Universities and training institutions shared plans to enhance digital skills training, expand partnerships with tech companies, and develop programs that better equip students for the job market.
Moderating the discussion, Anatoly Motkin reinforced StrategEast’s commitment to fostering a strong link between education and the digital economy. “Bridging the gap between academia and industry is critical for driving digital transformation in Georgia and the broader Eurasian region. Today’s discussion laid the groundwork for further cooperation to ensure students are equipped with the skills needed for the modern workforce,” he stated.
The panel underscored the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration to drive innovation in Georgia’s education and technology sectors.
