Delegates of the Department of International Economic Relations of the Educational and Scientific Institute of BiEM of Sumy State University: Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor Khomutenko L.I., and Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor Shcherbachenko V.O. took part in the third working meeting within the framework of the Erasmus KA220-HED project “Integrated Model of Strategic Excellence in Higher Education Institutions” on January 21-24, 2026. The project is funded by the European Commission (project number: 2024-1-TRO1-KA220-HED-000251854) and coordinated by Hitit University (Turkey). Since 2025, the Department of International Economic Relations of Sumy State University has become a partner of the specified project. The working meeting in the form of a seminar was held at the University of Kastamonu, which is a partner of the international project with the participation of representatives of the host countries, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Spain and was devoted to the issues of theoretical modeling and development of the IMAP4U TPM-III platform. During the meeting, an exchange of views and experience on the development of international cooperation in the field of higher education quality, strategic management, and institutional excellence took place. The results of the implementation project in 2025 and plans for the coming year were also discussed. The progress in the IMAP4U model development was assessed, as well as its institutional application at the participating universities: Hittite University, Kastamonu University, Sumy State University, University of Valencia, and the Czech Association of Professional Higher Education. In addition, a cultural trip to the picturesque Ilgaz mountain range, located on the border of Kastamonu and Çankırı provinces and having the status of a national park, and a visit to the city’s museums were organized within the framework of the program to familiarize the participants with the natural and cultural values of the region.
We sincerely thank Kastamonu University for its hospitality and excellent organization of the meeting, and the project partners for their support, inspiration, and cooperation.
