Higher Education Focus

Through a phased rollout in concert with the MoHE, the Center will be developed into an intellectual hub that will drive and guide higher education reform and advancement in Afghanistan. As a knowledge-based platform the Center will serve the regulator, universities, industry, and students through the following services:

1. Research and Knowledge: Through research and knowledge dissemination the Center will serve as the knowledge partner to regulators and the higher education community. The Center will work with university researchers and other partners to enable the following research products:
   • Kardan University Chancellor Research Grant: a research program funded by the Chancellor of Kardan University addressing specific areas in higher education.
   • Industry Research Partnership for SDGs: a research program that is funded by industry research grants aimed at improving responsiveness of higher education towards the SDGs.
   • Government Support Program for Research on Higher Education Reform: a research program funded by government grants aimed at encouraging research directed at reforming policies, regulations, and practices in higher education.


2. Higher Education Innovation: The Center will work to advance critical innovation in higher education targeted at policy, regulation, and value chain development. The Center will operate the following innovation schemes:
   • Kardan University Conference on Advancement of Higher Education in Afghanistan: an annual event that brings together researchers, policy makers, and industry to showcase their latest products, services, and innovations.
   • Higher Education Policy Network: An advisory network comprised of policy makers, academics, and representatives from industry and interest groups to provide input in policy formulations.
   • Afghanistan SDG Marketplace: An innovative virtual marketplace connecting universities, students, and higher education sector with industry innovation and products that can drive the higher education sector towards sustainable practices.


3. Technical Advisory: The Center will mobilize a critical mass of experts including scholars, professors, a community of experts to serve as a competency center to shape the higher education sector through technical advisory services. The Center will fill the gap in the higher education sector by serving as an intellectual hub adapting and implementing best practices aimed at higher education sector development.
   • Trainings: Delivery of customized and impactful training aimed at improving critical capabilities needed to uplift higher education standards and capabilities.
   • Roster of Experts: a membership-based roster of experts operated by the Kardan University Center for Higher Education Development to be made available to the higher education sector.
   • Consulting: Consulting and advisory services to donors, government, and other universities to improve standards and business performance.

Organization Model

The Center for Higher Education Development at Kardan University will be led by a full-time senior and high calibre Director level appointment. The core functions such as Research, Innovation, and Advisory may be associate positions filled by competent faculty members (incentivized for performance). The Center will rely on activity-based recruitment focused on the Kardan University national and international experts.