Uzbekistan (UZ), China (CN) and Tajikistan (TJ) are in the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB), the fastest growing area in the world by far what increases the needs for further cooperation among HEIs. UNiversity Internationalisation in Central Asia and China – UNICAC- aims to enhance the potential for international cooperation (IC) among HEIs from UZ, TJ and CN through a set of capacity building activities for International Relations Offices in partner countries (PC) HEIs, thus contributing to better international networking and better exploitation of their potential cooperation in Teaching, Learning and Research (T/L/R). Specifically, the project aims at: a) benchmarking the potentials for cooperation and development of national and regional recommendations for IC in T/L/R in the 3 PC; b) enhancing strategic, human and infrastructural capacities for the management of IC in 7 PC HEIs, and the modernisation and development of institutional frameworks for IC in UZ, TJ and CN (Strategic Plans for International Cooperation; training modules and equipment updating); and c) developing a multi-regional network as a platform to boost a regular dialogue and identification and exploitation of synergies in shaping IC in HEIs in Central Asia and China (together with the organisation of 3 network conferences, one in each PC).The proposal also foresees the development and implementation of dissemination tools and strategies (at international and national levels, especially in PC), an evaluation and quality assurance strategy (collection of feedback, monitoring and external evaluation) and sustainability actions (National Roundtables in PC, signing of agreements among HEIs and official approval of structures created in PC). The Consortium is composed of 11 institutions from 3 EU countries (Spain, Italy and Finland) and 3 PC countries (UZ, TJ and CN), including 10 HEIs of which 7 are Central Asian or Chinese. UNICAC will be coordinated by the University of Seville.

Reason for the Project: The DIREKT project aims to instill best Information Literacy (IL) practices in higher education systems in the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan & China. The project is much needed in order to up-skill library and academic staff specifically their transferable, pedagogical and lifelong learning skills in the Information Literacy field thereby developing capacity and affecting all stakeholders including students. The project aims for improved, more relevant University services in the Information Literacy area leading to better awareness, modernization and improvements in teaching and learning. Concise Description: Creation with Librarians and Faculty, of curriculum-integrated IL programs (embedded in the three cycle system (bachelor/master/doctorate), quality assurance and recognition of qualifications for the development of lifelong learning in higher education and in Society at large and incorporating appropriate electronic media. Development of training programmes supported by 7 ECTS modules- a DIREKT Curriculum for Information Literacy which will be embedded in curricula in PC universities and with involvement of external stakeholders to ensure maximum transfer effect to Society at large.Impact envisaged: As Information Literacy is a vital transferable skill for lifelong learning that transcends all academic disciplines what is truly special and unique about this project is that the results will benefit a huge learner group- all University staff, students and librarians and the effects will be felt in RF, KZ and Chinese Society through university links with external stakeholders.