Project title: Enhancing capacity of universities to initiate and to participate in clusters development on innovation and sustainability principles (UniClaD)
Funded by: EU ERASMUS + CBHE
Grant No 609944-EPP-1-2019-1-LT-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP
Period of Implementation 15/01/2020- 19/11/2024
General objective:The objective of the project is to develop the potential of universities as an integral part of agro-industrial clusters and creation of the innovative centers as pre-conditions for the development and successful functioning of agro-industrial clusters.
Website: http://uniclad.net/
https://www.aztu.edu.az/uniclad
Tasks of the project:

• Studying European cluster experience.
• Development of the value chain: master - PhD - researcher as the main party and researcher – planner - executive as a supporting party;
• Increasing sensitivity of business to cooperation with local executive authorities, science and education fields in the structure of clusters, based on the principle of each side remaining in a winning position;
• Increasing the capacity for business, science and education to work within clusters (through special trainings and modules included in the master's and doctoral education program);
• Implementation of special constructive measures in universities as the basis of activities performed within clusters;
• Increasing the practical values of researches, dissertations and students' master's works, as well as students' working abilities;
• Creation of conditions for better integration of innovations into agro-industrial production according to the sustainability principles.

Tasks implemented by AzTU:

• The experience of Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary was studied in establishment and functioning and operation of clusters, their roles, tasks, legal establishment, financing mechanisms of clusters were explored in detail.
• Innovative Technologies Center, which will become future cluster, has been established at Azerbaijan Technical University:
• The regulation of the Innovative Technologies Center was prepared and approved by the scientific council.
• Equipment for the Innovative Technologies Center was purchased and delivered to the University.
• Cooperation with the Agrarian Innovation Center was established within the framework of the Innovative Technologies Center’s work.
• In close cooperation with the Agrarian Innovation Center, the Fodder Calculator pilot project was developed and made available to farmers engaged in animal husbandry.
• 5 representatives from Azerbaijan Technical University attended study tours in Lithuania and Hungary to explore their cluster experince in the field of agriculture and information technologies.