Kutaisi International University hosted another working meeting of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Solutions for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Project supported by the USAID Economic Security Program. The meeting was attended by the project's academic team, support staff and students. The second phase of the project is currently underway. The second component involves student research, based on which the academic and support staff participated in the project are working on the ICT needs of micro, small and medium businesses. The meeting selected 5 real “case studies” of ICT solutions to be presented to business companies willing to participate in the project.
The KIU team of students involved in the project conducted a survey to select businesses operating in Georgia and identify their e-commerce needs. In the next phase, about 40 companies will receive training on e-commerce and the use of information and communication technologies in business. In spring, an exhibition is planned, where students will offer ICT business solutions adapted to their needs to the interested enterprises. Finally, at least five businesses will receive ICT solutions free of charge. They will implement solutions in their companies that will be exclusively tailored to their needs.
At the end of the project, the University representatives will run one-to-one workshops for the said companies and provide technical assistance as needed to equip them with the specific knowledge, tools and techniques needed to implement and maintain the respective business solutions.
The objective of the project “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Solutions for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)” is to promote economic competitiveness of enterprises operating in various fields by equipping them with ICT knowledge and skills, as well as to offer enterprises innovative e-commerce solutions and approaches designed specifically for their needs. By creating a platform for sharing experiences and challenges, the project will lay the foundation for collaboration between the private sector and the University, support the development of Kutaisi International University's undergraduate program in Computer Science (CS) and Management, and enrich the curriculum with real business cases and experience-based approaches.
Kutaisi International University (KIU) welcomed its first intake of students in 2020. The aim of the University is to gradually become the hub of education, science and technology in the region. As a result, Georgia will take a leading position in the international educational and scientific arena.
Currently, KIU offers bachelor's programs in English. In the future the University plans to add professional, master's and doctoral programs.
KIU cooperates with the leading European Technical University of Munich (TUM International GmbH and TUM). The honorary president of Kutaisi International University is the former president of TUM, Professor Wolfgang A. Hermann.
The USAID Economic Security Program is a five-year program funded by USAID and implemented by DAI Global. The program aims to promote the development of non-agricultural sectors that have the potential to create jobs, attract investment and increase income for micro, small and medium enterprises.
