With the internationalization of education and the growing need for specialists who meet the requirements of the new digital and innovative economy, the role of universities is becoming a key. In this regard, new forms of interaction between higher education organizations at the international level of university networks emerging and developing. “Although Azerbaijan signed Bologna agreement already in 2005, there is weak awareness of benefits of EHEA related issues among wider audience in the country. The knowledge on the recent developments of higher education system in Azerbaijan remains vague. The communication and networking concerning EHEA issues is rather fragmented among different departments in the MoE and various stakeholders. There is a need of national universities networks in Azerbaijan to promote and facilitate cooperation, support universities in their primary work, that is – high quality education, as well as to actively lobby for better legislation and wise spending its finance aimed at the advancement of higher education and research. The consortium believes that Rectors conference can be a great getaway for all of the universities presenting a single voice in key initiatives and challenges. The ultimate goal of this project is to endorse strong networking and cooperation among national universities and decision makers through the establishment of Rectors Conference. The approach chosen for implementation, however, includes a collaborative framework with respective stakeholders, mainly focusing on educational needs.The overall aim of the project is fostering national networking and cooperation among universities and all other stakeholders by establishing the rectors conference in accordance with national development strategies.
The project aimed to evaluate the existing situation and identify the needs and rationale for improved networking and cooperation. By establishing the Azerbaijan Rectors’ Conference (ARC), the consortium sought to create a formal platform for dialogue and collaboration among HEIs. This initiative was crucial for fostering a culture of cooperation, enhancing the quality of education, and aligning Azerbaijani higher education with European and global practices.
The consortium needed the project to address significant gaps in networking, communication, and cooperation among Azerbaijani higher education institutions (HEIs) and other stakeholders. Prior to the project, there was a lack of structured collaboration and effective communication channels between universities, governmental agencies, students, alumni, and employers.
<< Background >> The consortium needed the project to address significant gaps in networking, communication, and cooperation among Azerbaijani higher education institutions (HEIs) and other stakeholders. Prior to the project, there was a lack of structured collaboration and effective communication channels between universities, governmental agencies, students, alumni, and employers. << Objectives >> The project aimed to evaluate the existing situation and identify the needs and rationale for improved networking and cooperation. By establishing the Azerbaijan Rectors’ Conference (ARC), the consortium sought to create a formal platform for dialogue and collaboration among HEIs. This initiative was crucial for fostering a culture of cooperation, enhancing the quality of education, and aligning Azerbaijani higher education with European and global practices. << Implementation >> The project aimed to enhance networking, communication, and cooperation among higher education institutions (HEIs) in Azerbaijan. It included multiple work packages (WPs). WP1 focused on comparative analysis with surveys and interviews involving 2947 stakeholders. WP2 established the Rectors’ Conference, WP3 formed committees for strategic areas, WP4 implemented a strategic plan for 2023-2026, and WP5 handled dissemination, creating a website, social media, and a journal to share project update. << Results >> The project addressed the need for a comprehensive legal and organizational framework to support the establishment and operation of the ARC. This included revising outdated regulations, developing new charters, and learning from best practices in European countries. It formed five specialized committees, conducted training sessions, and developed a strategic plan for 2023-2026. The project also created a dedicated website and the “Azerbaijan Higher Education” journal for dissemination.