Constructor University hits the road to strengthen global academic cooperations: Constructor University Roadshow in Azerbaijan
Constructor University recently concluded an exciting, week-long roadshow in Azerbaijan, spotlighting its commitment to fostering international academic collaboration and building bridges with commerce and industry leaders. The initiative was led by Prof. Thomas Auf der Heyde, VP of International Outreach and Managing Director at Constructor University, and engaged a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from government representatives to educational institutions. The goal was to create and identify opportunities to share expertise, explore synergies and lay the groundwork for future collaboration.
Joining Prof. Auf der Heyde in Azerbaijan was Head of International Outreach at Constructor University Dr. Irada Hageg. “Higher education in the Caspian and Central Asia regions is gearing up for growth rates similar to those of the Middle East a decade or so ago,” said Prof. auf der Heyde. “It is imperative for our university not to miss the opportunities this is already presenting.” The visit to Azerbaijan underscores Constructor University’s broader vision of forging strategic connections worldwide. By engaging with stakeholders such as the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and various local actors the roadshow advanced conversations on leveraging Germany’s educational and technological expertise to support Azerbaijan’s development goals. Through these efforts, Constructor University continues to strengthen its role as a bridge between cultures, driving innovation and fostering collaboration on a global scale.
Prof. Auf der Heyde and Dr. Hageg held constructive conversations with representatives from leading Azerbaijani universities, such as ADA University and Azerbaijan State University of Economics, to deepen academic connections, including collaboration opportunities in establishing joint Erasmus exchange programs and in research, as well as dual degree opportunities. Additionally, the roadshow included engagements with governmental agencies, such as the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA), and international organizations including the DAAD and the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce, aimed at long-term partnerships regarding cross-border research and knowledge exchange. "The exceptional warmth and gracious hospitality demonstrated by our partners from Azerbaijan have established a strong foundation for meaningful collaboration,” said Dr. Hageg. “Each interaction exemplified genuine partnership and mutual respect."
A key pillar of the roadshow was a special digitalization workshop led by Prof. Isak Frumin - Head of Observatory of Higher Education Innovations and Prof. Christoph Latteman - Professor of Information Management. Conducted in collaboration with IDDA, this session reinforced the mutual commitment to addressing global challenges through technological innovation. “We are collaborating with the Azerbaijan Innovative Agency on developing strategies to build human capital tailored to a digitalized world. We are highly impressed by the expertise of our colleagues and the quality of discussions we have had,” Prof. Frumin said. “We are confident that Azerbaijan is well-positioned to successfully diversify its economy and prepare the next generation with the necessary skills for the future.“
Rounding out the roadshow was a seminar held in Baku, organized in partnership with CELT Colleges, a leading Azerbaijani educational services provider founded in 2001. Over 100 enthusiastic students attended, eager to learn about Germany’s world-class education system and Constructor University’s innovative interdisciplinary approach. The seminar emphasized the appeal of CU as a hub for academic excellence and highlighted Azerbaijan’s potential as a key partner in education and innovation.
Questions answered by:
Irada Hageg | Head of International Outreach & Director for Bolashak Program
ihageg@constructor.university