BAU International University Batumi participated in the study visit and project meeting organised in Koper, Slovenia, within the scope of the LEADHEGA project run under Erasmus+ CBHE. The programme, held between 24 and 27 March 2026, focused on leadership, strategic management, and institutional capacity building in higher education. The event brought together representatives of universities and organisations from different countries on the same platform, strengthening international academic cooperation.

Active Participation in the LEADHEGA Project from BAU Batumi

The programme was attended by BAU International University Batumi Vice-Rectors Tea Mikeladze and Giorgi Tskhvediani, as well as the Head of the International Relations and Marketing Department, Elisabed Diasamidze. The university representatives evaluated leadership development, governance, and strategic planning in higher education during the working sessions held with project partners.

LEADHEGA is run as an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project aimed at strengthening leadership and governance capacity in higher education institutions in Georgia and Azerbaijan. The project supports the development of leadership skills at both academic and administrative levels, the dissemination of strategic management approaches, and the creation of a sustainable leadership network among institutions.

International Project Meeting in Koper

The study visit and project meeting were hosted by EMUNI University. The programme brought together representatives from partner institutions and organisations from Georgia, Ireland, Malta, Azerbaijan, and Slovenia. The multinational participation provided a platform for sharing experiences from different higher education systems and comparing leadership practices.

Research seminars and thematic discussions were held throughout the programme. The sessions addressed current leadership challenges in higher education, institutional management processes, and leadership approaches to changing academic needs. Participants exchanged views on common challenges and solution approaches by sharing the practices of their own institutions.

Leadership Development Modules and Pilot Implementations

One of the important topics of the meeting was the leadership development modules developed within the scope of LEADHEGA. The current structure of the modules was presented to the participants, the progress made in the project process was evaluated, and experiences gained from pilot implementations were shared. These efforts supported the evaluation of the alignment of training content with project objectives and the progression of implementation processes within a common framework.

As part of the programme, participants also examined the leadership programmes run by the IEDC – Bled School of Management and CEEMAN. Experiences aimed at developing professional and leadership skills were discussed in terms of establishing effective management models in higher education institutions.

Leadership and Strategic Management in Higher Education

Leadership in higher education institutions plays a key role in defining academic goals, managing institutional development, and effectively executing change processes. The LEADHEGA project also focuses on strengthening the strategic management processes of institutions by systematically developing leadership capacity.

The participation of BAU International University Batumi in the project aligns directly with the university’s internationalisation and institutional development goals. The project meetings support the sharing of best practices across different countries, the establishment of new academic connections, and the development of a long-term culture of cooperation among institutions.

BAU Batumi Strengthens Its Global Academic Network

The study visit in Slovenia once again demonstrated the active role of BAU International University Batumi in Erasmus+ projects and the importance it attaches to international partnerships. While the university enhances its academic and administrative capacity through joint projects, it also strengthens its connections in the global higher education network.

The work carried out within the scope of LEADHEGA supports lasting knowledge sharing in the fields of leadership development, strategic planning, and governance. BAU International University Batumi continues to support innovative management approaches in higher education, develop its institutional capacity, and expand its global academic network through the efforts it carries out together with international project partners.