About Competitive Innovation Fund

What is CIF?

Competitive Innovation Fund (CIF) was created in frames of Component 3 of I2Q Project with an aim to diversify funding sources and promote internationalization.

The strategic objective of the CIF is to foster modernisation of higher education programs and learning environment and strengthen the labour market linkages. CIF targets at enhancing quality of learning-teaching  process and tailoring academic programs to employers’/labour market’s needs.

CIF corresponds to the priorities set by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia and promotes internationalization of local HEIs. Promotion aims at gaining international accreditation, awarding joint academic degrees and elaborating joint academic programs in partnership with foreign HEIs.

CIF is an alternative source of funding encouraging cooperation among public and private, including regional HEIs.

CIF enables HEIs:

• To implement their strategic development plans aligned with the priorities and strategic fields of the state and the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia (MESY);
• Upgrade academic programs to international standards and to labour market needs;
• Establish innovative practice in academic and research environment.

 

CIF Organizational Structure

The CIF has been established as a Competitive Grant Mechanism coordinated by the MESY. The

The CIF AU is composed of a Head of CIF AU, legal specialist, financial specialist and education specialist.