GTU Institute ‘Techinformi’ is the Coordinator of the ERASMUS+ CBHE ERIC-GE Project

The Institute ‘Techinformi’ of the Georgian Technical University has won the ERASMUS+ CBHE (Capacity Building in Higher Education) competition 2025 of the European Union. For the next two years, the institute will coordinate the project “Strengthening Research and Innovation Capacities in Georgian Higher Education Institutions” (ERIC-GE). This is a significant achievement for the Georgian scientific space. The project will contribute to the expansion of international cooperation and academic opportunities. It will also support the development of innovative educational programs, introduce modern methods of scientific assessment, and integrate them into the educational process.

Only five projects from Georgia won the competition, and three will proceed with the status of coordinators. The Institute ‘Techinformi’ of the Georgian Technical University coordinates one of these leading projects, ERIC-GE.

According to Professor Mariam Razmadze, Deputy Director of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information, ERIC-GE (Enhancing Research and Innovation Capacities in Georgia’s Higher Education) aims to strengthen the research and innovation potential of Georgian higher education institutions, based on European experience. The project also aims to improve the quality of research. It will help ensure compliance with international standards. Additionally, it aims to enhance the competitiveness of Georgian higher education institutions.

As Mariam Razmadze states, within the framework of the project, a new university course in scientometrics and an innovative intensive training module for academic staff and scientists will be developed.

“The project aims to develop a completely new course together with the American company Clarivate Analytics and two European partner universities, and integrate it into the educational process in higher education institutions. Also, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of universities, modernize the university policy of science management, introduce modern artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and bring it into line with ERA standards. The project is supported by a consortium of EU partners, which will improve the capabilities of higher education institutions in assessing the impact of research, promoting innovation, and improving teaching and research practices, ensuring compatibility with international standards. This course will be implemented for the first time in Georgia at the university level and will become an integral part of the educational process. Its content diversity will make a significant contribution to the popularization of science and its close integration with the educational process. The project “Strengthening Research and Innovation Capacities in Georgian Higher Education Institutions” (ERIC-GE), the consortium includes 8 higher education institutions – 6 in Georgia and 2 in Europe. The project has received funding of 355,977 euros over the next two years. It is noteworthy that across Georgia, the Georgian Technical University and the “Techinform” Institute have become winners in two additional projects out of the remaining four, with the status of partner organizations. Over the next three years, we, in partnership with European and Asian countries, will lead the implementation of various scientific and educational processes, which will significantly contribute to strengthening the country’s educational space and expanding international cooperation,” says Mari Razmadze.

According to the Director of the Institute ‘Techinformi’ of the Georgian Technical University, Dr. Neli Makhvihadze, the ERIC-GE project is a confirmation of important international cooperation and is considered a strategically important platform for Georgian higher education institutions, which allows for further approximation of research quality, academic standards and innovative capabilities to European standards.

“The Georgian Technical University and its Institute ‘Techinformi’ play a crucial role in the implementation of the project as coordinators, ensuring the quality of all planned activities and full compliance with European standards. The leading role of “Techinform” in the implementation of this large-scale project is of particular importance, as it confirms that the Georgian academic space is trusted as a leading partner in European research and educational initiatives. The project will make a significant contribution to strengthening the motivation of young scientists and students. Thus, the Georgian Technical University strengthens its international reputation, promotes the development of research infrastructure, and actively participates in the implementation of sustainable development strategies in the field of higher education,” says Neli Makhvihadze.