In this context, the Industry Advisory Board (IAB) initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHE), in partnership with the Next Step Foundation, organized a workshop titled “The Future of the Talent and Workforce and Joint Roadmaps Between Universities and the Industrial Sector.” The workshop took place on March 1, 2026, at the Kurdistan Institution for Strategic Studies and Scientific Research (KISSSR) and brought together leaders from universities, private sector companies, and government institutions to discuss practical ways to strengthen the connection between education and industry.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Shwan Kamal Rasheed, President of KISSSR, followed by remarks from Avin Mohammed Qadir, Co-Founder of Next Step, highlighting the importance of building structured partnerships between universities and the private sector. Dr. Amanj Abdullah Saeed, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Head of the Industry Advisory Board, introduced the vision behind the IAB as a platform designed to enable continuous dialogue and collaboration between industry and academia. Dr. Khattab Ahmed Mustafa, Director General of Education and Planning at MOHE and member of the IAB, then presented how the board will operate and its role in aligning academic programs with labor market needs.
The discussion that followed reflected a shared recognition that stronger cooperation is necessary to prepare graduates for the future workforce. Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening soft skills, improving digital literacy, expanding meaningful internship opportunities, and ensuring that academic programs remain responsive to rapid technological changes shaping today’s industries.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to continue this collaboration through structured Industry Advisory Board engagement, regular dialogue between universities and companies, and practical steps to better align education outcomes with labor market needs. Initiatives like this mark an important step toward building a more connected talent ecosystem and supporting the development of a skilled and future-ready workforce in the Kurdistan Region.