Strengthening Transnational Education Partnerships – Nations in Education Together
STEP-NET (Strengthening Transnational Education Partnerships – Nations in Education Together) is an international Project run by the Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, which is carried out from March 2026 until December 2029 in collaboration with three partner universities in two countries:
- Georgian National University (SEU);
- Odessa National Economic University (ONEU);
- Oles Honchar Dnipro National University (DNU).
The project is funded by the DAAD’s „Transnational Education – Strengthening and Excellence through Profile Development (TNB-STEP)” program, with funding from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
STEP-NET connects Mittweida University of Applied Sciences with partner universities as a part of a long-term transnational educational partnership. The project is built on more than two decades of experience with the Industrial Management master’s program at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, as well as on the dual degree partnerships in place since 2016.
The goal of the STEP-NET project is to further enhance the quality of the dual master’s degree program in “Industrial Management”. In its further developed form, the program is designed to be financially sustainable and is intended to remain economically self-sufficient and competitive even after the funding period ends. Simultaneously, it is meant to be visible and appealing to students and non-university partners.
Beyond that, STEP-NET aims to systematically strengthen the internationalization of the participating universities in Germany, Ukraine and Georgia by establishing sustainable exchange and cooperation structures. At the same time, the enhanced curriculum intends to address current challenges and equip students with practical, relevant knowledge and skills valued in the job market.
Key focus areas of the project
As part of STEP-NET, several measures are planned to further develop the range of academic programs, strengthen partnerships and promote international cooperation:
- the further development of the dual Master’s degree program in “Industrial Management”, including a review of its content, methodology and teaching approaches with the aim of developing a new primary focus;
- the further development of the “Scientific Competence” module, aimed at strengthening the link between academic studies and practical research components;
- the organization of informational, cultural and educational events focused on Germany, including guest lectures and intercultural programs for students and faculty;
- the organization of trips involving planning, coordination and steering meetings between partner universities in all countries where the participating universities are located;
- updating and expanding digital communication for the revised study program;
- the development of an online network for alumni and partners, as well as the organization of networking events featuring external guests.
First project phase: Setup and Preparation
During the first phase of the project, which runs from March to August 2026, the focus will be on establishing the project’s organizational structure and laying the groundwork for the further implementation of STEP-NET. During this period, the objectives and formats of the collaboration with partner universities will be coordinated, a joint kick-off event will be held, the analysis of needs will be initiated, initial academic programs with a focus on Germany will be prepared, and the first trial phase of the “Scientific Competence” module will be implemented.
A key element of this phase is the joint kick-off event, which will take place in Mittweida from June 8 to 11, 2026, and is intended to facilitate coordination on content and organizational matters, establish common priorities, and foster personal networking among the project partners. At the same time, the groundwork will be laid for further networking and coordination among the partner universities.
The STEP-NET project is of particular importance because it strengthens sustainable academic ties between universities in Germany, Ukraine, and Georgia and supports the further development of transnational educational programs. At the same time, STEP-NET promotes intercultural skills, international mobility, and long-term structures for academic exchange and cooperation.
The STEP-NET project is open to professional exchange and the development of new forms of collaboration. We are particularly interested in proposals from students regarding the further development of the degree program, in engaging with experts and representatives from the corporate sector who are interested in collaborating, as well as in exchanging experiences with professors who have experience implementing dual-degree programs. We look forward to productive dialogue, practical ideas, and joint projects.