Strengthened EU-Georgia cooperation in biotech R&D
As part of its international cooperation capacity, the EU is committed to fostering a closer scientific relationship with Georgia. In this context, the EU-funded BIOPARTNERS (Reinforcing Georgian international cooperation capacities in the field of food and biotechnologies) project was instrumental in preparing Georgia's integration into the ERA and participation in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) and Horizon 2020 thematic priority that concerns food, agriculture and biotechnology. Work began with the creation of a development strategy to boost the capacity of the Durmishidze Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology of the Agrarian University of Georgia (DIBBAUG) in several domains related to the thematic priority. The strategy was delivered following a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis of DIBBAUG with the help of over 30 stakeholders from the Caucasus, Europe and Georgia. A socioeconomic analysis was also conducted to assess the potential of research and development (R&D) themes. Twinning was carried out with DIBBAUG and the University of Murcia in Spain. Other actions included the exchange of researchers and young specialists and organisation of six joint scientific workshops. Networking and brokerage events were held across Europe to strengthen project impact. More than 35 promotional and/or networking and information presentations and sessions were organised. Over 100 members of the Caucasian and European R&D communities were mobilised to bolster research links between DIBBAUG and other European research institutes. A high-profile international conference on food and biotechnology was held in this respect. Four training and coaching sessions were carried out to reinforce the skills of DIBBAUG staff in participating in and managing FP7 and future Horizon 2020 projects. A summer school was also held in Georgia. BIOPARTNERS increased the visibility and capacity of DIBBAUG and reinforced biotechnology research cooperation in Georgia and beyond.
Keywords
Georgia, international cooperation, food, biotechnologies, agriculture, research and development
