On December 12-13, 2024, the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) hosted a session dedicated to strengthening the relationship between academia and the business environment, organized as part of the Erasmus+ project “Skills4future – Developing and improving the STEAM skills of students and teachers for curriculum innovation and the sustainable development of higher education institutions and local businesses.”
The event focused on analyzing the practical curriculum for undergraduate students and identifying the essential skills and competencies they need to meet labor market demands.
The session was opened by Mrs. Aurelia LITVIN, the local coordinator of the Skills4future project, who emphasized that the partnership between academia and the business environment is essential for continuously adapting the education system to labor market needs. Through such collaboration, universities can integrate practical skills and competencies relevant to current economic sectors into their study programs. Businesses, in turn, benefit from training specialists who can promptly address industry-specific challenges.
Mr. Rafael CILOCI, Dean of the Faculty of Economic Engineering and Business (FIEB), highlighted the necessity of active business engagement in ensuring the quality of university education. He pointed out that only through close collaboration between universities and companies can specialists be trained to meet the needs of the modern economy.
Mrs. Rina ȚURCAN, Head of the Department of Economics and Management, thanked business representatives for their openness and valuable contributions to this constructive dialogue. She emphasized that collaboration with the business sector facilitates the development of study programs and extracurricular activities such as internships, applied projects, and workshops, providing students with opportunities to actively address real-world problems. Moreover, direct interaction with company representatives helps students better understand labor market requirements and dynamics, increasing graduate employability rates.
Additionally, Mrs. Lilia CHIRIAC, Head of the Department of Economic Theory and Marketing, praised the organization of this event, viewing it as an important opportunity for generating innovative ideas and improving the quality of university education.
Representatives from the business community made significant contributions, including: Cristina FLOREA (MAIB), Dumitru IONAȘCU (TechAgri Intelligence SRL), Aurelia MAMOLEA (Magenta Consulting), Violeta COJOCARI (Artmarketing), and Liudmila BOTNARI (“Autogrup Expres SRL”). They presented current requirements for the competencies and skills of future specialists, while also offering concrete opportunities for internships, thesis development, and integration into the workforce.
The event brought together professors from universities in Moldova (ASEM, USM, USARB, USCH) and the European Union, including:
- Mrs. Elena FLEACĂ from the Politehnica University of Bucharest, Romania;
- Mr. Grigore PIROSCA, representative of the Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania;
- Mr. Andrzej MARCINKOWSKI from the Technical University of Lodz, Poland.
The event united professors, students, and business representatives, emphasizing the importance of aligning student skills with the dynamic demands of the labor market. The session once again demonstrated that close collaboration between universities and companies is key to training well-prepared specialists and fostering sustainable development in both local and international economies. In the long term, a strong partnership between academia and the business environment contributes to stimulating innovation, transferring knowledge and technologies across various fields, and strengthening the economy by cultivating a competitive workforce. This synergy is a driving force for sustainable development and societal progress.
