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Within the framework of the MANAS E-LAB Project, funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education (CBHE) Programme, a training program was organized for the academic and administrative staff of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU). The project aims to establish sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems within higher education institutions in Kyrgyzstan.

Hosted by Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, the training program was designed to promote the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation across higher education institutions in Kyrgyzstan while enhancing the entrepreneurial knowledge and competencies of academic and administrative staff.

The two-day program brought together academic and administrative staff from Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, as well as academics and experts from the Creative Industries Association, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, the Innovation Center State Institution, and Naryn State University.

“MANAS E-LAB Strengthens Entrepreneurship Education”

Speaking at the training program, Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karymshakov, Vice Rector of KTMU and Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, emphasized that the MANAS E-LAB Project is a significant initiative not only for Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University but also for the higher education system of Kyrgyzstan.

Prof. Dr. Karymshakov stated that entrepreneurship-oriented courses are planned to be integrated into the university curriculum as part of the project, adding that these courses will help educate students as innovative, creative, and productive individuals. He further noted that entrepreneurship education will support students' career development while making a substantial contribution to strengthening Kyrgyzstan's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Entrepreneurship Is a Competency That Connects All Disciplines”

Head of the Department of Management at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences Prof. Dr. Gökhan Özer highlighted that entrepreneurship is no longer confined to economics and business administration but has become an essential competency across a wide range of disciplines, from engineering to the social sciences. He noted that fostering an entrepreneurial culture would encourage the emergence of innovative ideas, creative projects, and successful entrepreneurial ventures.

Ten Sessions Explored Various Dimensions of Entrepreneurship

On the first day of the program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azamat Maksüdünov, Coordinator of the MANAS E-LAB Project, introduced participants to the objectives and activities of the MANAS E-LAB CBHE Project. He explained the project's contribution to developing entrepreneurship ecosystems within higher education institutions and emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship for economic development and sustainable growth.

The training program consisted of ten sessions covering a broad range of topics, including university–industry collaboration, entrepreneurship ecosystems, entrepreneurial competencies, mentoring student entrepreneurs, updating entrepreneurship curricula, and the experiences of regional universities in entrepreneurship education. The sessions were delivered both in person and online by distinguished academics and practitioners from Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, the Creative Industries Association, the Innovation Center State Institution, and Naryn State University.

In addition to gaining theoretical knowledge, participants had the opportunity to learn about practical applications and successful entrepreneurship initiatives implemented by various institutions. Interactive question-and-answer and evaluation sessions enabled participants to share their perspectives and recommendations while exchanging ideas on fostering an entrepreneurial culture within higher education institutions.

MANAS E-LAB Training Program Successfully Completed

At the evaluation meeting held at the conclusion of the program, participants emphasized the successful completion of the training process. The meeting reviewed the achievements attained within the scope of the MANAS E-LAB Project and highlighted the project's expected contributions to strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in higher education institutions across Kyrgyzstan.

Following the completion of the program, certificates of participation were presented to the academic and administrative staff who took part in the training.