TAM Seminar "University–Industry Partnership in the Context of Sustainable Development"

The National Erasmus+ Office in Kazakhstan (NEO KZ), together with the Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE) team and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, successfully hosted the online Technical Assistance Mission (TAM) Seminar on “University–Industry Partnership in the Context of Sustainable Development” on 10–11 November 2025.

The event gathered Rectors, Vice-Rectors, Deans, researchers, policymakers and representtaives of industry to discuss effective mechanisms for collaboration between universities and industry in advancing sustainable practices and technologies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The first day of the seminar brought together 113 participants and focused on the role of universities in transforming industry through sustainability and innovation. Opening remarks were delivered by Gulzhan Jarassova, Chair of the Committee of Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and HERE member. The sessions were led by Dr. Christina Theodoraki, IAE Aix-Marseille University, France and Dr. Maksim Belitski, Loyola University New Orleans, USA, who shared European best practices in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems and sustainable partnerships. The day concluded with an engaging panel discussion highlighting the challenges and opportunities of university–industry collaboration in achieving sustainability goals.

On the second day, 95 participants joined discussions on integrating sustainability into education and workforce development. Through interactive sessions and group work, participants examined successful cases of collaboration in green energy, zero-emission technologies, and sustainable agriculture. The experts emphasized the importance of adapting curricula to train specialists for the green economy and strengthening cooperation between academia and business to accelerate sustainable innovation.

The seminar concluded with the formulation of recommendations aimed at modernizing educational programmes, fostering new partnership projects, and promoting the exchange of best practices in sustainable development.

The National Erasmus+ Office in Kazakhstan expresses sincere appreciation to all partners, speakers, experts, and participants for their valuable contributions to advancing higher education reform and supporting Kazakhstan’s progress toward a sustainable future.

All presentations are available on our website here.

The recordings of the seminar are available on our YouTube channel: Day 1, Day 2.