Description
In line with sectoral priority 6, the project aims to improve the performance of the Ukrainian IT sector through introduction of innovation into micro, small and middle-sized business. The main output of the project and the main innovation introduced by the project is the creation of a study/work mobility scheme for Ukrainian students, which will allow the transfer of expertise and soft skills from Slovakia to Ukraine. The project builds on pilot activities of the IT Association Slovakia and the Digital Coalition, which, in cooperation with the Kharkiv Simon Kuznec National University of Economics and the University of Economics and Management of Public Administration created a joint study programme for Ukrainian IT students. The programme is supported by Slovak businesses, who offer scholarships and internships to students and later on two-year employment contracts. The project will allow formalization of the pilot activities, involvement of new universities and creation of 3 new joint study programmes. It uses an innovative system of knowledge transfer involving completion of a master study programme, a period of mentored internship and employment with established companies and finally a return home. This approach is in line with the principles of circular migration, which is regarded as an effective means of promoting development, as it facilitates transfer of resources from core to peripheral areas. Based on identified structural weaknesses of the Ukrainian IT sector and a needs analysis, the project aims to develop soft and hard skills of participating students in businesses operating in areas of e-government and digital transformation.