An interactive meeting with representatives of the business and professional sectors was held at the European University of Armenia (EUA) within the framework of the CompIIT Erasmus+ Project and the newly launched CompIIT Virtual Laboratory on October 21, 2025.
The event brought together EUA academic and administrative staff, students, employers, partner organizations, and representatives of the business community to discuss effective mechanisms for strengthening university–industry cooperation and creating meaningful opportunities for students to gain practical, employment-oriented experience.
Dr. Peter Arras, Head of International Relations at the Faculty of Engineering Technology of KU Leuven, presented the Belgian experience of building effective and sustainable links between higher education institutions and the business community.
The presentation focused on practical approaches to:
The presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A and discussion session involving EUA employers, partner organizations, and Dr. Arras.
Participants exchanged views on potential models of cooperation, with particular emphasis on: developing students’ practical and professional skills; expanding internship and work-based learning opportunities; involving companies and professional organizations in student training;
providing joint academic and workplace mentoring; and creating pathways from university education to employment.
A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of five cooperation agreements within the framework of the CompIIT Erasmus+ Virtual Laboratory between the European University of Armenia and representatives of the following organizations:
Through these partnerships, EUA students will have opportunities to: participate in real-life professional and organizational projects;
gain practical experience in their respective fields; work alongside experienced professionals and industry practitioners; develop professional, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills; receive professional guidance and feedback from both university mentors and company/organization mentors; and strengthen their readiness for successful entry into the labour market.
The event marked an important step toward establishing a stronger and more systematic university–industry cooperation ecosystem at EUA. Through the CompIIT Virtual Laboratory, the University aims to create sustainable links between education and the labour market, enabling students to complement academic knowledge with practical experience and helping partner organizations contribute directly to the development of future professionals.
