GreenTech Horizons Project Contributes to National Dialogue on Modular Learning and Labor Market Alignmen
At Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, a strategic session titled “Quality Assurance of Educational Programmes: Academic Approaches and Innovative Solutions” gathered key stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to explore the role of micro-credentials in transforming Kazakhstan’s higher education landscape. The session was organized as part of the GreenTech Horizons project’s broader efforts to align education with the evolving needs of the digital and green economy.
Panel discussions and expert presentations addressed how micro-credentials can offer flexible, modular pathways for skill acquisition while bridging the gap between formal education and labor market demands. Speakers emphasized the relevance of employer engagement, digital technologies, and accreditation frameworks in ensuring both quality assurance and practical applicability of such programs.
A Roadmap for Implementation: Opportunities and Institutional Challenges
Presentations from leading experts—including representatives of the National Center for Higher Education Development, KazNU, Astana IT University, and Toraygyrov University—highlighted global best practices, local pilot projects, and the growing momentum behind micro-credential adoption. Discussions pointed to several key advantages:
- Increased employability and job market relevance for students;
- Greater adaptability of educational institutions to shifting economic needs;
- Rapid upskilling opportunities supported by AI-driven and modular learning models.
At the same time, participants noted challenges such as the absence of a unified accreditation system, concerns over long-term financial sustainability, and risks of knowledge fragmentation without coherent curricular integration. The session also stressed the necessity of co-creating programs with industry stakeholders to ensure credibility and recognition in both academic and business environments.
The event successfully fostered dialogue, encouraged cross-sector collaboration, and laid the foundation for piloting micro-credential programs across higher education institutions in Kazakhstan—underscoring GreenTech Horizons’ mission to support educational innovation and systemic reform through meaningful partnerships.
