Why a Working Group on Education
The internationalisation of higher education is a proven driver of economic growth and social progress. Nowhere is this more consequential than for universities and education providers in acceding, candidate, and potential candidate countries, where cross-border engagement can fundamentally reshape institutional capacity and opportunity.
Yet internationalisation only delivers on its promise when it empowers those best positioned to lead change at the regional level. Realising its full potential requires building and sustaining the agency of regional champions in education and research: the institutions and actors who translate global cooperation into local impact.
It is with this in mind that the Assembly of European Regions (AER) has established its Working Group on Education: a platform dedicated to coordinating educational policy, research collaboration, and youth engagement across wider Europe.
About the members of the Working Group
Chaired by AER Vice President for Science and Culture, David Batsikadze (Ajara, Georgia), the Working Group was initiated by four AER members:
- Automous Republic of Ajara (Georgia)
- Lower Austria (Austria)
- Odesa (Ukraine)
- Poltava (Ukraine)
In consideration of decades-long expertise in hosting Eurodyssey trainees by the Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Prof. Tite Aroshidze, Rector of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, was nominated as Secretary of the Working Group.
About the Advisory Board of the Working Group
To ensure broad academic representation and facilitate engagement with higher education institutions across Europe, the Working Group is supported by an Advisory Board comprising:
- Dr Hande Bozatli (Turkiye), AER Honorary President, responsible for fostering cooperation with Turkish universities;
- Mr Victor Vaugoin (Lower Austria), responsible for coordination with Austrian academic institutions;
- Prof. Tetiana Shtal, Rector of Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, responsible for cooperation with Ukrainian universities
About the Working Group Objectives
Educational Programmes and Labour Market Integration
The first objective focuses on the development of joint educational programmes and training initiatives that connect formal education to regional labour market needs. This includes Vocational Education and Training (VET), youth empowerment, skills development, and lifelong learning. A particular priority is expanding access to programmes such as Eurodyssey, which offer structured pathways for work-based learning across AER member regions. The Working Group also aims to strengthen partnerships between EU and non-EU regions, broadening the scope of cross-border educational cooperation.
Scientific Research and Innovation
The second objective focuses on building shared frameworks for scientific cooperation and innovation. the Working Group will seek to establish joint research projects, academic partnerships, and knowledge transfer mechanisms among participating regions. Thematic priorities include innovation ecosystems, and regional development strategies.
Cultural Exchange and Academic Collaboration
The third objective addresses the cultural dimensions of regional cooperation. Through cultural events, festivals, exhibitions, and academic conferences, the Working Group will promote intercultural understanding among students, researchers, and academic staff. These activities are not supplementary to academic exchange, they are integral to building the social capital and mutual trust that sustain long-term regional partnerships.
Exchange of Experience in Local Governance and Regional Development
The fourth objective focuses on peer learning in regional governance. Through internships, study visits, seminars, and workshops, the Working Group will facilitate the sharing of regional best practices and strengthen institutional capacities across member regions.
