Researchers and experts from UNESCO Chair are involved with high-tech analysis of the European Commission for the development of Strategy for smart specialization, strategy for Open access to research results, the Strategy for IT in education, and more.
Here are someexamples of projects UNESCO Chair has initiated:
APInno - Action Project for Innovation
Erasmus+ Project № 2014-1-BG01-KA203-001561
Two years European project under ERASMUS+ Action K2.
Coordinator: SULSIT
Budget: 300136.00 EUR
The APInno aims at fostering the collaboration between business and universities as one key issue to be targeted by developing an innovative approach and methodology for teaching one of the under-exploited concepts - Innovation Management (IM).
The concept of Innovation management is still a key challenge. Although serious initiatives have been undertaken over the past few years, such as a new family of standards on innovation management CEN TS 16555, IMP3rove, ECQA certification - as key ones- it still remains underexploited in Europe.
Business leaders agree on what is holding Europe back: high labour costs, excessive regulation and a lack of a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Sixty-two percent of respondents in a survey done by INSEAD say the problem is the lack of a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. (INSEAD, 2013). It is inarguable that Innovation is and will be the way for businesses to achieve economic success and organic growth, and to achieve it companies will have the need to develop new skills and knowledge - such as a far deeper understanding of customer and stakeholders' needs and expectations, the ability to collaborate, to create social value, etc. It is crucial to create and sustain long-term competitiveness and economic value especially of SMEs.
PICTET: EQF-based professional ICT training for Russia and Kazakhstan
543808-TEMPUS-1-2013-1-BE-TEMPUS-JPHES, (2013-2016)
Three years European project under TEMPUS.
Coordinator: University College Ghent – Hogeschool Gent, Ghent, Belgium.
Budget: 998.995,44 EUR
Project is designed for strengthening of the links between education and ICT business by enhancing the RU-KZ system of professional ICT-training by using EQF, building effective System of professional ICT-Education, setting up Network of ICT-training centers in RU/KZ universities for enforcing infrastructure and framework. Wider objective is the improvement of the quality of ICT-specialists preparation by building an effective System of professional ICT-education and strengthening links with business environment in RU and KZ..
The project specific objectives:
To create e-qualifications framework for RU and KZ
To create the new methodology of professional ICT-training
To develop a quality assurance mechanisms ensuring the quality of professional training in ICT
Erasmus Project: Future Education and Training in Computing: How to support learning at any time anywhere (FETCH)
539461-LLP-1-2013-1-BG-ERASMUS-ENW, LLP (2013-2016)
Three years European project under Lifelong Learning Programme, Action Erasmus Networks.
Coordinator: Russe University “A. Kanchev”, Bulgaria
Budget: 1.127.010 EUR
The consortium includes 67 partners from 35 countries: 27 EU countries, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia and Albania. They represent six types of institutions: University or institution of higher education, research organizations, company (services), an NGO, a non-profit association, SMEs.
The main goal of the consortium is to achieve smart growth and the development of knowledge and innovation in society by improving the quality of education in computer science and technology, the introduction of advanced technologies for learning, knowledge sharing, discussing methodologies, promote exchange of good practice between all parties.
The specific objectives of the project are:
- Development of a European strategic framework for education and training in computer science and technology 2020
- Development of a European framework for the evaluation of education and training in computer science and technology 2020
- Preparation of recommendations for future digital programs in education and training in computer science and technology 2020.
- Development of new didactic theories and models for training in the use of social media in education.
Erasmus Project: School on the Cloud: connecting education to the Cloud for digital citizenship (SoC)
543221-LLP-1-2013-1-GR-KA3-KA3NW, (2013-2016)
Three years European project under Lifelong Learning, Action Erasmus Networks.
Coordinator: Doukas School, Athens, Greece.
Budget: 600.000 EUR
The network consists of 57 partners, most of whom are leaders in their education sectors. They represent 18 European countries and includes 10 schools, 21 universities, companies, NGOs, national governments, research centres, associations and providers of adult education.
The Steering Committee of the "School on the Cloud" includes: Doukas School (Greece); Innovative Learning Network Ltd. (UK); EUROGEO European Association of Geographers (Belgium); GO! Education of the Flemish Community (Belgium); Ghent University (Belgium)
SoC is an ICT network, which aims to explore new ways of dynamic learning that is in harmony with the way contemporary people think, share, study and collaborate within different sectors of education, using the capabilities of environments based on cloud computing.
SoC is based on the work of the four thematic working groups: Group 1: Transition from "ground to the cloud"; Group 2: Innovative teacher; Group 3: Integration of cloud computing and personalization in formal and informal education; Group 4: Future Prospects.
Project „Development of a system for knowledge management in SULSIT”
Duration: 24 months.
Budget: 724 209,12 BGN.
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Ivan Ivanov
Contract № BG051PO0001-4.3.04-0066
The project is funded by the OP "Human Resources Development", scheme for Grant BG051PO0001-4.3.04 "Development of electronic forms of distance learning in higher education", financed by the European Social Fund of the European Union.
Project „Establishment of an information environment for motivation and stimulation of young researchers in SULSIT”
Budget: 732 894.40 BGN
Scheme for granting financial assistance: Support for the development of PhD students, Young Scientists Project
Project „Distance education on library-information sciences, print communications and sciences for cultural heritage”
Duration: 24 months.
Budget: 415 249,11 BGN.
Coordinator: Prof. Yankova – Dean of ФБКН at SULSIT.
Contract № BG051PO0001-4.3.04-0039: The project is funded by the Operational Programme "Human Resources Development" scheme for Grant BG051PO0001-4.3.04 "Development of electronic forms of distance learning in higher education", financed by the European Social Fund of the European Union.