The transition towards sustainable development models is today a global priority, at the core of political, economic and environmental strategies in many countries. The concept of Green Growth is based on the ability to combine economic development, environmental protection and social well-being, by promoting innovation, efficient use of resources and the resilience of production systems.
In this context, the role of scientific research is crucial. Universities and research centres are called not only to generate knowledge, but also to translate it into concrete solutions to address complex challenges such as climate change, sustainable management of natural resources and the development of low-emission economies. However, for research to effectively contribute to these goals, academic systems must be equipped with adequate structures, qualified staff and policies that support the development of research careers.
In many emerging contexts, such as Lao PDR, these elements are still under development. Despite growing institutional attention to sustainability and innovation, research systems still face challenges related to limited resources, fragmented support structures and the lack of clear and structured career paths for researchers. This limits the full contribution of universities to achieving green growth objectives.
In this context, international cooperation initiatives such as Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) projects play a key role: they foster institutional strengthening, the exchange of expertise between countries and the development of solutions tailored to local contexts, contributing to more resilient, innovative and globally connected higher education systems.
It is within this framework that RESET was launched, a project aiming to strengthen research capacities in a systemic way, by addressing skills, structures and policies simultaneously.
People, structures and policies for research: from training to institutional transformation
RESET is structured around three main objectives:
- Strengthening researchers’ competences through advanced training, innovative tools and support services;
- Modernising research management structures within universities;
- Developing a national framework for research career development, fostering sustainable and attractive career paths.
These objectives are fully aligned with the priorities of the Erasmus+ CBHE programme, contributing to the modernisation of higher education systems and the promotion of international cooperation.le.
Over the next 48 months, RESET will work on several fronts to transform research management. We will begin with an in-depth mapping of existing practices across Europe and Southeast Asia, identifying effective models that can be successfully adapted to the local context.
We will then move into action with a comprehensive training and skills development programme. This will focus on research management and fundraising, scientific and digital tools, and essential soft skills for both researchers and administrative staff. A key priority will be online learning and the creation of accessible digital resources.
In parallel, partner universities will develop and test strategies to strengthen their research management units, establishing standardised services and institutional strategic plans. RESET will also promote a structured dialogue between universities and policymakers, aiming to define a national framework for research career development. Finally, we will ensure the project’s impact is shared widely through international conferences, policy recommendations, and dedicated digital communication.
Academic exchange and dialogue: universities as key players in sustainable development
RESET represents an initiative of particular interest for higher education institutions and research centres committed to strengthening their research capacities, developing academic career policies and building more effective and inclusive innovation ecosystems. Investing in research management and academic career development means investing in the future of societies.
The project promotes the exchange of practices, organisational models and innovative approaches to research management, highlighting the role of universities as key actors in sustainable development, while strengthening dialogue between Europe and Southeast Asia.
The project’s analysis, training activities and policy recommendations will provide transferable results and tools, capable of feeding international debate and supporting further cooperation pathways within the framework of European programmes.
Follow the project to discover approaches, tools and results developed within RESET and, if you are interested in similar initiatives, contact our Higher Education and Research Unit to explore potential synergies and future collaborations within the framework of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education programme.
About RESET
RESET – Redefining research management structures and research career development to accelerate Green Growth in Lao PDR is funded Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE).
RESET is built on a broad and complementary partnership that brings together key actors from higher education and international cooperation, each contributing specific and synergistic expertise:
- Champasack University (coordinator) and the main public universities in Lao PDR – National University of Laos, Souphanouvong University, Savannakhet University and the University of Health Sciences – providing in-depth knowledge of the national context, institutional needs and priorities related to research development and green growth;
- the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES), ensuring alignment with national strategies and fostering dialogue with policymakers;
- the European partners, including CESIE ETS, Universidad de Alicante and the University of Freiburg, contributing with consolidated expertise in research management, capacity building, educational innovation and international cooperation, and transferring models, tools and good practices tested in European contexts.
RESET si fonda su un partenariato ampio e complementare che riunisce attori chiave del sistema di istruzione superiore e della cooperazione internazionale, ciascuno con competenze specifiche e sinergiche:
- Champasack University (coordinator) and the main public universities in Lao PDR – National University of Laos, Souphanouvong University, Savannakhet University and the University of Health Sciences – providing in-depth knowledge of the national context, institutional needs and priorities related to research development and green growth;
- the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES), ensuring alignment with national strategies and fostering dialogue with policymakers;
- the European partners, including CESIE ETS, Universidad de Alicante and Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg, contributing with consolidated expertise in research management, capacity building, educational innovation and international cooperation, and transferring models, tools and good practices tested in European contexts.
For further information
- Read more about the project.
- Visit resetlaopdr.eu
- Follow the project on Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram and YouTube.
- Contact alessia.valenti@cesie.org
