THE NEED FOR AN INTERUNIVERSITY MASTER'S PROGRAM IN INDUSTRY 4.0 IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Larisa  BUGAIAN; Rodion  CIUPERCĂ; Marina  BUNEA

doi:10.36910/automash.v1i22.1339

Larisa BUGAIAN Dr. Hab. in Economy and Management, Head of Erasmus+ Centre, Professor of Department of Economy and Management, Technical University of Moldova https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4478-5124
Rodion CIUPERCĂ PhD in Technical Sciences, Head of Department of Continuing Education, Associate professor of Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Technical University of Moldova https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2352-2704
Marina BUNEA PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate professor of Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" State University of Cahul http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7792-6907

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36910/automash.v1i22.1339

Abstract

This article discusses the imperative for the creation of a new collaborative interuniversity master’s program in Industry 4.0 across three Moldovan higher education institutions. Development of such a new master’s program is the main goal of the ERASMUS+ project titled “EnhaNcing MEchanical Engineering EDUcation in Moldova for Industry 4.0/ NeedEDU4.0”. The proposed master’s program will be created and executed through partnerships between technical educational institutions and the industrial sector. Its primary focus is to equip future engineers in automotive construction with current knowledge and skills by integrating best practices from European Union university partners. The introduction of this modern joint interuniversity master’s program in mechanical engineering is anticipated to facilitate collaboration between universities and enterprises, to enhance the employability of graduates from mechanical engineering programs, thus enhancing regional development, cultivating lifelong learning skills, encouraging social innovations, and promoting inclusivity.

Keywords: higher education, Industry 4.0, NeedEDU4.0 project, automotive industry, master’s program