Project Title: Network for Sustainable Growth (EduFusion NSG)

Project Number: 101179805 – EDUFUSION NSG – ERASMUS EDU-2024-CBHE-STRAND-3

Project Duration: 01 December 2024 – 30 November 2028

The EduFusion NSG project represents an ambitious and comprehensive approach aimed at improving the quality of education in Kazakhstan, with a strong focus on inclusive education, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurial activity. Key objectives of the project include the accreditation of educational programs and teaching staff, the development of online courses in STEAM disciplines, and the establishment of innovative centers and incubators to support youth and women’s entrepreneurship.

Project Objective:
To establish a network among higher education institutions in Europe and Kazakhstan to ensure sustainable and integrated development of university–business interaction.

Main Objectives of the Project:
• To contribute to the higher education system in Kazakhstan by enhancing cooperation between universities and the business/industrial sector in order to increase the employability of university graduates, thereby promoting the sustainable development of universities and supporting the creation of new jobs.
• To create an ecosystem that includes strong links between universities and business/industry, training and certification of academic staff, and the provision of market-oriented online courses to ensure sustainable growth and foster entrepreneurship at the national level in Kazakhstan.

Expected Results:
• The establishment of a University–Business/Industry Cooperation Portal (AICP), which will serve as a bridge for partnerships between educational institutions and the business sector. This portal will facilitate joint surveys, projects, and internships, with a particular focus on skills that are critical for value chain development and entrepreneurship.
• The Teacher Development and Support System (TDSS) will offer accredited training for teaching staff, with an emphasis on modern teaching methodologies and reducing educational disparities. This system will enable educators to obtain international certification, ensuring up-to-date skills and the implementation of modern and relevant pedagogical approaches.
• The Virtual STEAM and Entrepreneurship Academy (VSEA), an online digital dissemination service for educational tools in STEAM and entrepreneurship, will be established to provide accredited online courses, emphasizing gender inclusivity and climate neutrality. This academy will offer advanced curricula for students and professionals, ensuring that courses meet high quality standards and directly address market needs.
EduFusion NSG stands out for its strong commitment to accredited, high-quality professional development programs and teaching methodologies. Its innovative approach ensures that trained educators and developed STEAM and entrepreneurship courses meet rigorous standards, aligning education with the evolving needs of the labor market and fostering an ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth and job creation in Kazakhstan.

European Partner Universities:
Polytechnic Institute of Porto – IPP (Instituto Politécnico do Porto – IPP), Portugal
University of Vigo (Universidad de Vigo – UVIGO), Spain
Educators Professional Development LDA – ENTER

Kazakhstan Partner Institutions:
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty
K.I. Satbayev Kazakh National Research Technical University, Almaty
Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Almaty
D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, Ust-Kamenogorsk
E.A. Buketov Karaganda State University, Karaganda
S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University, Astana
Central Asian Association for Accreditation of Education (CAAAE), Almaty
Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana

The project is funded with the support of the European Commission. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the university and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.