The article examines the impact of 16 key parameters of the Georgian economy on economic inequality, using the Perelman model and Ricci flow mathematical methods. The aim of the study is to conduct a deep analysis of the impact of socio-economic challenges and technological progress on the dynamics of the Gini coefficient. The article examines the following parameters: income distribution, productivity (GDP per hour), unemployment rate, investment rate, inflation rate, migration (net negative), education level, social mobility, trade infrastructure, capital flows, innovative activities, access to healthcare, fiscal policy (budget deficit), international trade (turnover relative to GDP), social protection programs, and technological access. The results of the study confirm that technological innovations and social protection programs have a positive impact on reducing inequality.

Productivity growth, improving the quality of education and strengthening R&D investments increase the possibility of inclusive development. Sensitivity analysis shows that social mobility and infrastructure are important factors that affect economic stability. The accuracy of the model is confirmed by high R² values (80-90%) and the statistical reliability of the Z-statistic (<0.05). The study uses Ricci flow methods, which allow for a geometric analysis of the transformation of economic parameters in time and space. Recommendations include the strategic introduction of technological progress, the expansion of social protection programs, improving the quality of education and encouraging international trade, which will contribute to economic sustainability and reducing inequality. The article highlights multifaceted approaches that combine technological innovation and responses to socio-economic challenges to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic development.

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SEC_4_2024_11.pdf

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Fall-report-2024-Digest-ENG-Final.pdf

Although the primary goal of this study is a focused analysis of the IT sector, due to existing statistical limitations, in some cases, the report includes aggregated data covering various ICT fields (with relevant clarifications provided on corresponding pages). One of the reasons for sector growth is the entry of international companies and workforce, primarily linked to the geopolitical environment. According to market representatives, this not only increases competition for local players but also creates new opportunities.
Digital Ecosystem Digest is a quarterly electronic research report issued by the BTU Center for Entrepreneurship. The report reviews current technological and innovative trends in various sectors of the digital economy of Georgia and covers topics such as: AI, startups in digital business, e-commerce markets, digital platforms (B2B, B2C , C2C), fintech, etc. The purpose of the report is both to consolidate existing information and to generate new practical knowledge about the digital economy. Each research report will be co-authored by different researchers. The current edition is authored by BTU academic affiliate staff Tsotne Zhghenti.

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/digest-IT-english.pdf

This report by Dr. Tsotne Zhgenti explores the implementation of green nudges in universities across the South Caucasus region. Green nudges are small changes in the decision-making environment aimed at encouraging environmentally friendly behaviors without restricting freedom of choice. The concept, as introduced in “The Little Book of Green Nudges” by UNEP, is particularly relevant in the context of higher education, where institutions can play a critical role in promoting sustainable behaviors.

“The Little Book of Green Nudges” provides a comprehensive guide for applying behavioral science to campus sustainability efforts, offering 40 practical nudges that can be grouped into 8 categories and have been successfully implemented in various universities worldwide. These nudges focus on making sustainable choices easier, more attractive, social, and timely (EAST framework). Examples include using visual cues to promote recycling, setting energy-saving defaults on appliances, and providing incentives for reduced consumption. The book emphasizes that small, well-timed changes in choice architecture can lead to significant impacts on sustainability.

In the South Caucasus, the implementation of green nudges is still in the very early stages of development. Universities in the region are gradually beginning to adopt these practices, but many institutions face challenges related to awareness, resources, and institutional support. This report aims to present the findings of a survey conducted with various universities, which are actively engaged in this regard, to understand their involvement and best practices in implementing green nudges, as well as the obstacles they face in promoting sustainable behavior on campus.

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Green-Nudges-Implementation-in-South-Caucasus-Universities-A-Survey-Report.pdf

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Spring-2025-eng_compressed-1.pdf

Lady Mariéme Jamme, a globally recognized technology activist, a nominee in the BBC Top 100 Women ranking and holder of multiple prestigious international awards, visited Georgia and, in collaboration with the Business and Technology University, has organized several working meetings to understand the state of the art and design new cooperation opportunities.

Lady Mariéme Jamme’s visit to Georgia was organized by the Coding School for Women at the Business and Technology University (BTU). As part of the visit, the Georgian chapter of the international initiative iamtheCODE has been established.

IamtheCODE empowers women, girls, and teenagers by providing access to Tech courses and soft skills training. Operating in 87 countries, the organization is committed to retraining 1 million young women, girls, and teenagers in various technology fields by 2030, aligning with the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Lady Mariéme Jamme: “We opened a representation in Georgia to focus on maximizing the human capital and potential of children, teenagers, and women living here. We believe that fully funded courses in various fields of technology will not only change the lives of 200,000 individuals but will also positively impact the achievement of sustainable development goals and the strengthening of the knowledge economy in the country.”

Professor Nino Enukidze: “We are proud that the world’s largest organization, IamtheCODE, is opening its official representation at BTU, giving children, teenagers, and women full access to over 60,000 technology courses.”

In 2017, Lady Mariéme was honored with the Innovation Prize at the Global Goals Award as a GoalKeeper for her efforts in empowering youth and girls worldwide. That same year, she was recognized in the BBC 100 Women ranking.

Mission of IamtheCODE

IamtheCODE is dedicated to increasing the participation of women, girls, and children in technology and innovation. Its vision aligns with promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), expanding access to education, and fostering professional development.Georgia, as a regional leader in empowering women, girls, and teenagers, is actively joining the global initiative of iamtheCODE.

On October 23, the Rector of the Business and Technology University, Dr. Nino Enukidze, presented the initiative –  AI4Globe  and discussed the importance of integrating future technologies into the education sector. AI4Globe is a new international initiative aimed at increasing artificial intelligence literacy globally. The project significantly changes the educational experience and creates new opportunities to realize the potential of artificial intelligence.

AI4Globe will engage innovative activities, international stakeholders and actors across the globe. The initiative targets different demographic groups, including children, youth, women, academic staff, and representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

AI4Globe is set to become one of the first innovative educational projects to be exported globally. Key supporters of the project include the UN’s Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (UNICRI), UN Women, UNICEF, the European Business Association (EBA), and top European universities and innovation centers.

In her speech, Dr. Nino Enukidze highlighted increasing potential of artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of its ethical and responsible use. She also underscored the need for international cooperation to enhance digital literacy and economic prosperity while mitigating risks related to data privacy and cyber hygiene.

To learn more about AI4Globe, please visit: www.ai4globe.com

This paper introduces the Forecasting and Policy Analysis System (FPAS) Mark II, which incorporates Mervyn King’s imperative for economic models to reflect the endogenous nature of central bank credibility based on policy actions. The original FPAS, predominantly utilized by inflation-targeting central banks, has been constrained by its focus on baseline projections and local approximations. These
limitations hinder its capacity to accurately reflect the evolving credibility of central banks in response to their policy choices. Credibility specifically refers to how anchored are long term inflation expectations in bond markets and by wage and price setters but also a broader consideration is whether long-term real interest rates and the exchange rate operate as shock absorbers.

FPAS Mark II integrates “Monetary Policy as Risk Management” (MPRM), enhancing the framework’s ability to address significant uncertainties and adapt to changing economic conditions. This new approach advocates a shift from a baseline projection to a scenario-based strategy that attempts to anticipate a diverse range of economic outcomes including non-linear such as time-varying policy credibility. By doing so, FPAS Mark II not only adheres to King’s vision by embedding endogenous credibility into the fabric of monetary policy but also equips policymakers to navigate complex financial landscapes more effectively, avoiding potential pitfalls and better managing periods of uncertainty.

Full working paper is available here 

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/5-nbg-wp-2024-04.pdf

As institutions navigated the post-pandemic era, the integration of AI into education proved viable. This research provided tangible insights into the digital revolution affecting education and informing strategic decision-making in Georgia’s evolving higher education landscape. Recognizing the difficulties caused by the pandemic and the inherent challenges associated with strategic decision-making, a qualitative research approach was used to gain nuanced insights. It relied on in-depth interviews, recognizing the spontaneous and time-sensitive nature of strategic decisions made by universities during the pandemic, often precluding extensive pre-planning. The authors provided critical findings in terms of the pros and cons of distance learning and proposed AI solutions for each challenge that Universities faced during and after this significant disruption, giving real successful examples.

Authors:
Maia Noniashvili, Business and Technology University, Tbilisi, Georgia
Lela Matchavariani, Business and Technology University, Tbilisi, Georgia

This article has been published in the JOURNAL OF EASTERN EUROPEAN AND CENTRAL ASIAN RESEARCHVol.11 No.4 (2024)

1. Vol. 11 No. 4 (2024): Journal of Eastern European and Central Asian Research

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/maia-noniashvili-article.pdf

Authors: Maia Melikidze, Associate professor, Founder of RES LAB (Renewable Energy Sources Laboratory), Business and Technology University, Georgia
Tamar Chkhaidze, Researcher, RES LAB, Business and Technology University, Georgia
Garik Teymurazyan Research and Development Manager, Georgian Renewable Energy Development Association (GREDA), Georgia

This paper aims to investigate strategic management measures aimed at increasing women’s representation in businesses in renewable energy. The research aims to identify the main hindering factors for sector development, as well as effective measures to raise awareness and involvement of women and other stakeholders. The research methodology sub-chapter describes the research, research instruments. This chapter analyzes research results, reflecting the opinions of interviewed respondents. The study primarily employs qualitative research methods and is divided into three stages. The first stage involves analyzing secondary sources, encompassing international and Georgian references. The second stage includes gathering relevant information from the State Statistics Service of Georgia. The third stage comprises in-depth interviews with expert women working in renewable energies.
The conclusion summarizes the issues raised and analyzes research results regarding effective measures to increase employment and involvement of women in renewable energy businesses from a strategic management perspective, emphasizing the potential for women’s participation. The study reveals a significant employment market in the country within renewable energies, projected to expand further with increased utilization of the country’s renewable energy potential. However, the research also highlights challenges such as an inadequate educational system, low awareness levels, lack of scientific and statistical studies, and absence of appropriate legal norms to facilitate balanced gender involvement in the energy sector.
Keyword: Renewable energy; Women’s representation; Strategic management; Energy business; Women in energy

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/JBRS.MS_.ID_.000147.pdf

This Digital Ecosystems Digest has been developed by BTU’s affiliated academic staff – Tsotne Zhghenti and Vakhtang Chkareuli, Tamta Mamulaidze

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Digest-inglisuri.pdf

Part of the BTUAI initiative, BTU AI Review offers the latest insights into digital transformation, international best practices, and industry development in Georgian. The cases cover various discussion topics and tasks. Depending on their complexity, these cases are incorporated into undergraduate and graduate courses at Business and Technology University. Additionally, complex cases are developed daily for professional training across different sectors. BTU has also designed a training and retraining program utilizing this material.

BTUAI’s new solution combines segment- and industry-specific educational materials with cutting-edge business cases, offering valuable insights and opportunities for AI technology integration across all industries. BTU AI Review creates a new resource based on top global sources, providing a unified catalog of innovative business cases.

Building on the success of the flagship “500 Women in Tech” initiative, this program aims to provide Ukrainian women with comprehensive education and hands-on experience in various fields of Technologies. The curriculum includes essential Digital Literacy and Tech English skills, followed by specialized courses in Software Product Testing and Graphic Design, which will start online on September 2nd, 2024, with support from Georgian and Ukrainian lecturers. Partner companies will collaborate to offer practical components, ensuring real-world learning experiences.

“Strengthening Ukrainian Refugee Women in Tech” is part of the project “Strengthening the Resilience of Ukrainian Refugee Women and Girls in Host Countries” of the UN Women’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, which is funded by the Government of Japan. The project is aimed at solving the acute problems that women and girls face most often as a result of war and forced displacement. The project in Georgia includes two main components: creating the most inclusive, safe, comfortable space for Ukrainian refugee women and retraining them in technological directions in order to create new career opportunities.

Registration of candidates for the new program is available through this link 

by  Vakhtang Chkareuli, Business and Technology University
Gvantsa Darguashvili, Business and Technology University
Dzintra Atstaja, Riga Stradins university
Rozita Susniene, Kaunas University of Technology

,,In the contemporary global context, waste management and the judicious utilization of resources have emerged as pressing concerns. Consequently, the concept of a circular business model has gained prominence as a viable solution. This innovative model reframes waste not as a disposable byproduct but as an opportunity to generate new value, setting it apart from the conventional linear business model, particularly in financial, economic, and operational dimensions. Numerous industries grapple with the issue of excessive waste generation, among them the wine industry, notable for its substantial water and grape waste outputs. This predicament holds significant ramifications both on a global scale and within the specific context of Georgia. Yet, it also presents an innovative avenue for waste recycling. This study draws upon a comprehensive review of internationally recognized literature, noted for their scholarly significance and citation prevalence. In its practical segment, two distinct investment projects have been meticulously developed which seek to evaluate the financial viability of the circular business model in contrast to the conventional linear business model. The investment projects considered are as follows: 1. Under the framework of a linear business model, the company exclusively engages in the production and sale of wine. 2. Within the circular business model paradigm, the company not only produces wine but also harnesses waste processing to yield grape seed oil, which is subsequently marketed alongside wine bottles. Both models undergo rigorous scrutiny, employing a comprehensive analysis of key financial indicators essential for assessing project profitability and efficiency. The outcomes of this investigation reveal that, under identical capital investment conditions, the circular business model surpasses the linear model in terms of profitability. This underscores the potential for sustainable practices within the wine industry and the broader business landscape.”

Keywords: circular business model; linear business model; wine industry; sustainability; financial analysis

Chkareuli, V.; Darguashvili, G.; Atstaja, D.; Susniene, R. Assessing the Financial Viability and Sustainability of Circular Business Models in the Wine Industry: A Comparative Analysis to Traditional Linear Business Model—Case of Georgia. Sustainability 2024, 16, 2877. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072877

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sustainability-16-02877.pdf

,,We advocate for a novel approach to decomposing the Consumer Price Index, critiquing the traditional core inflation distinction (which omits volatile items like food and energy) for lacking a solid economic basis. Our proposed method, inspired by practices in economies like the United States, New Zealand and Armenia, categorizes prices into “flexible,” which adjust quickly and are influenced by external factors, and “sticky” non-tradables2, which adjust more slowly, offering a clearer view of medium-term inflation expectations. This approach underscores the importance of economic analysis over simplistic statistical methods that exclude volatile CPI components. It emphasizes the need for economists to understand the dynamics driving both sticky and flexible price inflation, with the latter often signifying initial signs of excess demand pressures. Recognizing the impact of dollarization, where exchange rate depreciations quickly affect nontraded sticky prices, becomes crucial. This understanding is vital for formulating monetary policies that prevent long-term inflation expectations from escalating, highlighting the significance of studying the interplay between exchange rate movements and domestic price dynamics in dollarized economies”.

Authors: Shalva Mkhatrishvili, Douglas Laxton, Tamta Sopromadze, Mariam Tchanturia, Ana Nizharadze, Sergo Gadelia, Giorgi Gigineishvili, Jared Laxton

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/nbg-wp-2024-01.pdf

The purpose of the article is to identify the factors that influence commuting by bicycle with a specific focus on Tbilisi and Warsaw. Based on the testing of hypotheses, the authors intended to determine how different factors affect commuting by cycling in these two cities. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses a structured and self-administered online questionnaire of bicycle users in both cities. The survey collected data on cycling behaviour, motivations, and perceptions of cycling infrastructure. The population of the cycling community was 12,000 in Tbilisi and 14,000 in Warsaw.

The increasing agreement regarding the benefits of cycling has captured policymakers’ attention, spurring their desire to elevate the proportion of individuals who choose bicycles as their mode of commuting (Banerjee et al., 2021). Urbanization and automobile ownership have been following an increasing trend all over the world due to various reasons. This trend is more visible in developing countries. As a result, the major cities in the developing countries have been experiencing a continuous deterioration of the transportation system and air quality, oftentimes due to proactive planning and lack of resources (Mansoor et al., 2021).

The article is a product of collaboration among the following authors:  Mr. Giga Kikoria, Business and Technology University, Mr. Zezva Sanikidze, Tbilisi State University, Mr. Marek Sikora, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology and Mr. Simon Gelashvili, Tbilisi State University.

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/What-Factors-Affect-Bicycle-Commuting-An-Empirical-Analysis-in-Tbilisi-and-Warsaw-1.pdf

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/financial-sector-review-eng.pdf

The conference was organized as part of the COST Action – ENIS – that brings together 180 leading scientists, researchers, and practitioners from different European countries around the topic of higher education internationalization, international student mobility, social and cultural integration of international students in their host countries, impact of student mobility and many more.

The “European Network on International Student Mobility: Connecting Research and Practice” (ENIS) network produces research, policy briefs, recommendations, newsletters and other sources of information to increase awareness and understanding on the concept of international student mobility.

The second annual conference of ENIS took place in Georgia, at Business and Technology University, which became the first institution to host events as part of the COST action.

COST | European Cooperation in Science and Technology, founded in 1971, has been a leading platform for research and innovation in Europe ever since. Its main objective is to promote the development of science and cooperation between member countries across various fields such as technology, environmental protection, healthcare, agriculture, and others.

As a full member of COST, Georgian scientists have access to the organization’s vast network of researchers, resources, and numerous funding opportunities. Attaining full membership in the association marks a significant milestone in European integration, and the aforementioned conference represents another step forward.

Business and Technology University (BTU) gained the right to host this large-scale international conference in Georgia exactly one year after Georgia became a full member of COST.

While AI startups are growing across the globe, the United States remains the undisputed leader, accounting for roughly half of the global AI startup funding (Emerj, 2023). Silicon Valley continues to be a hotbed for AI innovation, but other regions like Europe and Asia are also developing AI ecosystems.
China is rapidly closing the gap, other countries like Israel and India are also emerging as hubs for AI talent and entrepreneurship.

Despite this rapid growth, AI startups face an array of challenges. The high cost of talent and advanced technology, coupled with significant research and development expenses, presents substantial financial hurdles. Additionally, the complexity of AI systems demands a thorough regulatory environment to address ethical, privacy, and security concerns.

For a developing country like Georgia, the stakes and opportunities presented by AI startups are particularly significant. Compare to large tech hubs, Georgia’s tech market offers a blend of challenges and potential. Limited access to capital, a smaller talent pool, and the need for more robust infrastructure make it difficult for Georgian startups to compete on a global scale. Yet, the importance of fostering a homegrown AI ecosystem cannot be overstated. It represents a vital step towards modernizing the economy, attracting foreign investment, and retaining local talent.

This report delves into the specific context of Georgia, analyzing the AI startup ecosystem through practical research. It has a focus on comprehensive study of around 20 active startups from Georgia, whose business models are fundamentally based on AI, whether they are developing new AI systems or leveraging existing AI technologies. Information was obtained from an observational study enhanced with direct feedback from startup representatives, gathered in January 2024.
The report is organized to give a clear view of the AI startup environment in Georgia. It starts by looking at where these startups are working, how they’re set up, their funding, the tech they use, and when they started. The next part focuses on trends in AI innovation, which we see through the lens of ideas represented in startup grant programs.

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Winter-2024-Digest-ENG-1.pdf

The University Capacity Building Program (UCBP) Phase II, funded by the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi and administered by American Councils for International Education, is a continued initiative to grow and sustain modern research administration and development offices at Georgian HEIs to increase the contribution of higher education and public research institutions to innovation and economic growth of Georgia. The program aims to build and strengthen US-Georgia research capacity and partnerships.

As part of its objectives, the University Capacity Building Program will assess the current state of the research ecosystem in Georgia HEIs, providing targeted training and resources to increase Georgian research administrators’ knowledge and understanding about managing grants. It will increase Georgian universities’ research capacity and deepen U.S.-Georgian university partnerships through mentoring sessions, workshops, and immersive study visits assisting Georgian HEIs to build a culture of research administration excellence and higher education fund-raising, including donor relations, grant opportunities, and alumni engagement. In addition, the project will create a critical mass of experts in research administration and management in Georgia to continue leveraging the networks created by the project, including cultivating a sustainable peer-advisory network to promote research management capacity and tackle challenges in grant management with innovative ideas and measurements, ultimately establishing a community for Georgian university research administrators to collaborate with US universities.

On February 12-15, American Councils and NCURA conducted series of on-site workshops for 8 higher education institutions in Georgia – both, state and private higher education institutions.

The workshop provided professional development training to increase international partnerships and knowledge sharing between Georgia, the US, and the EU. Workshop sessions covered wide variety of topics, including:

• Funding opportunities and policy priorities, as well as proposal development for major US funders, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Research administration profession’s expertise and capacity in obtaining grants, grant management and budget development
• Hands- on training and sessions on faculty support and other funding sources to support US-Georgian partnerships.
• The importance of building a university ecosystem for research output and compliance issues.

Workshop participants had an exceptional opportunity to discuss topics of their interest and prospects for collaboration with the invited faculty members. UCBP workshop provided a platform for learning and exchange on research administration phases – challenges and potential models of management within Georgia’s institutions.

The UCBP program also includes a webinar series on research management and fundraising, a US-Georgia Research Collaboration Workshop, a US Study Visit for 10 Georgian Research Administrators, and a series of reciprocal visits to Georgia by US experts.

BTU as an active participant in Phase II, successfully continues to engage in the UCBP Phase II to develop its research administration capacity and strengthen institutional collaboration with the world leading Higher education institutions.

This material has been prepared based on information provided by the American Councils for International Education Georgia.  

Keywords: Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), assessment of AGI impact, regression coefficient

This article is Published in the  International Journal of Business and Management; Vol. 19, No. 1; 2024 ISSN 1833-3850 E-ISSN 1833-8119
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education 

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1.-New-article-BTU.pdf

In 2023, inflation in Georgia saw a significant decrease, reaching 0.4% by the year’s end. This decline was primarily attributed to the import component of inflation, while robust aggregate demand, despite the tight monetary policy, exerted an opposing influence on domestic prices. Furthermore, throughout 2023, real GDP experienced substantial growth, averaging 7% according to preliminary estimates. This elevated the risk of economic activity surpassing its potential level for a prolonged period. However, the concurrent accelerated growth in investments contributed to an increase in potential output. According to the baseline scenario, excess demand is expected to fully normalize throughout 2024, which will be accompanied by only a gradual reduction in the monetary policy rate. This, in turn, is anticipated to contribute to the stabilization of inflation around its target rate in the medium term. In the alternative scenario, which is equally relevant given the recent robust growth in lending, strong demand may elevate the pressure on consumer prices to some extent. In response to this, the National Bank of Georgia will pause the monetary policy rate reduction process and, depending on credit activity, may even resume a tightening cycle

Monetary Policy Report, 2024 (January) is available here

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NBG-Monetary-Policy-Report.pdf

The National Bank of Georgia’s (NBG) Working Papers are published to elicit comments and encourage debate on ongoing research. Working Paper Series aim to present original research contributions relevant to central banks. The views expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the NBG. No responsibility for them should be attributed to the NBG. The working papers have not been peer-reviewed.

The recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), in particular, the development of reinforcement learning (RL) methods, are specifically suited for application to complex economic problems. We formulate a new approach looking for optimal monetary policy rules using RL. Analysis of AI generated monetary policy rules indicates that optimal policy rules exhibit significant nonlinearities. This could explain why simple monetary rules based on traditional linear modeling toolkits lack the robustness needed for practical application. The generated transition equations analysis allows us to estimate the neutral policy rate, which came out to be 6.5 percent. We discuss the potential combination of the method with state-of-the-art FinTech developments in digital finance like DeFi and CBDC and the feasibility of MonetaryTech approach to monetary policy.

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NBG-1.pdf

The center developed a  report, which  was carried out within the strategic cycle of the Center for 2021-2025 and includes the activities implemented to ensure the quality of early and preschool, general, vocational, higher education, the development of national qualifications, the provision of educational services, the measures implemented for internationalization and institutional development of the Center. The report provides information on Georgia’s Reform of the General Education Quality Assurance System, Development of Educational Services in the country, Internationalization, international projects in the field of higher education etc.

Full information and report is available here

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ANNUAL-REPORT-2022.pdf

GNERC generates regular annual reports providing updates and trends in electricity sector, Natural Gas sector and Water Supply sector. In addition, the commission summarizes the achievements and actions towards expunging international relations.

According to the report, the year of 2022 was important in terms of the structural reorganization of the electricity market, as far as in 2022 the new legislative base was formedand improved in accordance with the requirements of the Law of Georgia “On Energy and Water Supply”. The process is fully harmonized with the Directives and Regulations of the 3rd European Energy Package, as well as with the Accession Protocol to the Energy Community.

Electricity generation (busbar delivery) has increased by 12.5% compared to 2021, and by 27.8% compared to 2020.  Electricity import has decreased by 23.6% compared to 2021, and by 4.8% compared to 2020;  In 2022, 7 small-capacity power plants were put into operation in Georgia, with a total installed capacity of 26.92 MW.

As for Gas sector, According to the energy balance of Georgia, the share of natural gas in total energy consumption was 39%. The reduction in the proportion of coal, biofuels, and waste is noteworthy, potentially resulting from the active promotion of gasification and the substitution of solid fuel with natural gas.

Detailed data and information on the above mentioned sectors in Georgia, as well as international relation efforts and events is available at GNERC report 2022.

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Annual-Report-short-2022-Eng.pdf

Business and Technology University is relatively young institution in Georgia that has addressed the TM from the very first day of its establishment. BTU collaborates with the leading foreign and international institutions, representatives of local private sector and public agencies, in order to promote innovation processes, deliver meaningful social impact, bring positive change through its TM.

BTU’s third mission is the shared agenda among all organizational units. Multiple activities, directly relevant to the Third Mission, are ongoing:

• Popularizing the notion and potential of technology transfer among Georgia’s academic community;
• Working on measures to support the third mission implementation within BTU and beyond;
• Facilitating a dialogue between university, industry, government and society.
• Advocating for relevance – transforming knowledge into expertise and making sure that the generated knowledge meet the needs of the real-world.

The need for more intensive and comprehensive institutional cooperation is beyond doubt. Georgia has achieved much in terms of brining higher education institutions closer to the international and European standards, however, rapid technological change, turbulent regional development and inherited gaps in science-business collaboration, leaves room for improvement.

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BTUs-third-mission-1.pdf

– Knowledge Generation – Co-designing and piloting Curriculum in energy efficiency, developing modern competences and building necessary skills for participants.

– Building mutually reinforcing partnerships – Co-Creating Collaboration and Networking structure of Energy Labs and Green Network among participating HEIs.

The project will gather and produce context-specific knowledge (considering EU’s new energy plan, EaP’s potential for new role and urgent need for renewables). It will interrelate the activities of engaged energy labs and disseminate project outcomes to society at large. The proposed initiative will increase academic capacity for efficient implementation of the REPowerEU Plan and the Black Sea Submarine Electricity Cable project. Promoted energy efficiency and sustainable solutions for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Ukraine are primarily linked to improved energy access and timely transition to clean, low-carbon and secure systems. In addition, and maybe more importantly, it is linked to energy security, especially given the current energy hardships, supply chain disruptions and unprecedented challenges on the global energy market. The project will address mid-term pressures and keep focused on its long-term aspirations of building mutual resilience. In the short and mid-term perspectives the project will impact engaged institutions, individuals, students and academic personnel by enhancing their capacities, access to infrastructure, access to the most current knowledge and resources in energy efficiency. The project will put efforts to create new partnerships and stimulate linkages between academic and non-academic sector representatives towards joint sustainable solutions.

The 3-E project (duration of 36 months) gathers the following universities under the consortium:

• Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
• Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy
• University of La Coruña, Spain
• ADA University, Azerbaijan
• Khazarian University, Azerbaijan
• Technical University of Georgia, Georgia
• Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University, Georgia
• Energy Efficiency Center, Georgia
• Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology, Ukraine
• Donetsk National Technical University, Ukraine

This initiative will turn into an opportunity to mobilize cross regional and cross sector experience, facilitate knowledge exchange, ensure stakeholder engagement (including students, professors, staff) and
create high quality knowledge products necessary for successful implementation of the above-mentioned state-level obligations. The project contributes to the exchange of international best practices, enables an
efficient government-university-industry dialogue and through transferring knowledge creates economic and social value (it’s noteworthy that engaged institutions are not only from the capital or the central area, but also from the regions of Georgia and Ukraine).

“500 Women in Tech,” a large-scale capacity building initiative in Georgia, coordinated by Business and Technology University and supported by UN Women and the Government of Norway. The project started in December 2021 and ended in May 2023. The primary objective of the initiative was to strengthen the role of women in technologies by enhancing their skills, providing training and networking opportunities, connecting them to the private sector representatives. The project recognized that women in Georgia were underrepresented in the tech industry and aimed at addressing this gender gap. By equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge in technology, the initiative strived to create a more inclusive and diverse tech workforce.

After the completion of intensive courses and additional activities planned within the framework of the project, the final event was held for the beneficiaries – Employment Forum, Networking session, and “Pitch Yourself” event. Within the framework of the project, the total number of participants trained in all three streams was 994 beneficiaries.

The project covered the following regions throughout Georgia:

• Tbilisi
• Kakheti
• Kvemo Kartli
• Mtskheta – Mtianeti
• Shida Kartli
• Samtskhe – Javakheti
• Imereti
• Racha – Lechkhumi
• Lower Svaneti
• Adjara
• Guria
• Samegrelo – Zemo Svaneti

Emerging Europe Summit awards are designed to showcase outstanding growth initiatives in the region, and the progressive work of  organizations and individuals, including global leaders who have contributed to the region’s success.

This Article was published in American Journal of Biomedical Science and Research 

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Melikidze-Maia-energy.pdf

KEYWORDS: artificial intelligence, digital transformation, digital technologies

This Article was published in October 2023, in Journal IUSTITIA – An academic journal under the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.

https://btu.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Khatuna-Burkadze.pdf