The cooperation protocol signed between Near East University and the BTHK will support the digital transformation of the TRNC in many areas, from digital education and certification to strategy development and entrepreneurship.
Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, and the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTHK) have signed an important cooperation protocol that will contribute to the digital transformation goals of the TRNC. The cooperation protocol signed between the two institutions aims to implement joint projects in a wide range of areas, from education to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital certification.
The protocol, which came into effect with a signing ceremony held at Near East University, was signed by Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt and BTHK President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kadri Bürüncük. The protocol, which aims to create a holistic digital transformation model encompassing education, research, certification, and industry collaborations, will be coordinated by the Digital Education and Information Unit (DEBİM) and the Social Research and Development Center (TAGEM) operating within Near East University.
Joint projects will guide digital transformation!
Within the scope of the collaboration, strategy workshops, policy development meetings, and impact analyses will be conducted to contribute to the digital transformation process of the TRNC. Roadmaps will be prepared in the fields of digital economy, cybersecurity, educational technologies, and communication; forums and collaboration platforms will be created bringing together representatives from academia, the public sector, and the private sector. Cybersecurity and digital awareness training will be organized for high school and university students, and the “Young Digital Ambassadors” program will be implemented. In addition, the development of innovative ideas will be encouraged through entrepreneurship training, hackathons, and startup support programs; and joint projects aimed at European Union and other international funding programs will support initiatives contributing to the digital transformation of the TRNC.
A new model focused on education, certification, and technology!
Within the scope of the protocol, Near East University and the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTHK) will collaborate to develop training programs in the field of digital technologies, establish a secure and verifiable blockchain-based digital certification system, and implement nationally valid micro-certification programs. Furthermore, research contributing to digital transformation policies will be conducted, and new models will be developed that connect education, internships, and employment processes with projects supporting digital entrepreneurship. One of the key objectives of the collaboration will be the establishment of the “BTHK Academy.” This will combine online and in-person training with a hybrid digital education model specific to the TRNC, offering sector-focused, applied, and certified programs.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kadri Bürüncük: “I believe that together we will sign off on successful projects that will contribute to our country’s digital transformation.”
Speaking at the ceremony, BTHK President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kadri Bürüncük stated that data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity are at the heart of digital transformation, and that the establishment of the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics at Near East University is an extremely appropriate step. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kadri Bürüncük, stating that data analytics forms the basis of sound decision-making processes, said, “Evaluations made without data are doomed to remain theoretical. While artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of life today, cybersecurity has also become an indispensable need for institutions and countries. Thus, it is of great importance not only to use technology consciously but also to create strong and sustainable digital structures.” Emphasizing the great value of university-public-sector collaborations in terms of transforming knowledge and experience into joint projects, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kadri Bürüncük said, “I believe this protocol formalizes the collaboration that we have long believed in its importance. As an institution, we have carried out joint studies with many universities to date and have seen the positive results. I believe that together with Near East University, we will sign successful projects that will contribute to the digital transformation of our country.”
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt: “The fundamental duty of universities is to serve society in addition to education and research.”
Emphasizing that Near East University has over 200 active collaborations at local and international levels, Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt said, “The fundamental duty of universities is to serve society in addition to education and research. We take this a step further and define it as ‘transforming society.’ “We define it as follows: Scientific knowledge only finds its true value when combined with practice. Thus, we consider the collaborations we have established with public institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations to be extremely valuable.”
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt, drawing attention to the rapid transformation created by artificial intelligence and digital technologies in every aspect of life, reminded that Near East University’s Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security departments have been approved by the Higher Education Council. Stating that the university’s educational programs are being restructured with an artificial intelligence-focused approach in the new period, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt said, “Now all programs in our university are being updated to adapt to this transformation. We are continuing our efforts to include courses related to artificial intelligence in the curriculum of every department.”