CAUCASUS UNIVERSITY’S THIRD MISSION: DRIVING SOCIETAL PROGRESS THROUGH EDUCATION, RESEARCH, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

The Third Mission refers to universities’ engagement in societal development beyond education and research, encompassing areas such as continuous education, knowledge transfer, and societal engagement. Caucasus University (CU) has incorporated the Third Mission as a goal into its strategic framework and acted in several directions to build University’s 3rd mission capacity for societal impact and now prioritizes further investment in dedicated personnel, infrastructure, and long-term support towards this mission. The University’s 3rd mission role is highlighted by its participation in the Erasmus+ project ‘Strengthening the Quality and Relevance of the Third Mission in Georgian Universities (SQUARE)’. This initiative has strengthened CU’s role in connecting academia with societal needs, particularly through its strategic Goal ‘P5’, which emphasizes sustainable solutions for global and local challenges. CU’s dedication to lifelong learning is showcased through its Continuous Education programs, while its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center facilitates knowledge and technology transfer. The Jean Monnet Center of Excellence (EUPOLTRANS) exemplifies CU’s commitment to empowering society through EU policy education, focusing on Georgia’s EU integration process. Furthermore, CU fosters global dialogue and local impact by hosting international conferences on the Third Mission, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and commencing alignment of its activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through these initiatives, CU advances societal engagement, reinforcing its role as a civic institution aimed at driving societal progress.