The Visiting Scholar Program, organized by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), took place in Sejong City, South Korea, from April 1 to 30, 2025. Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) was represented in the program by Ms. Aynura Ismayilova, Director of the School of Lifelong Learning and Associate Professor at the Department of Economics and Statistics.

Among 20 applicants from Azerbaijan, Ms. Ismayilova was selected to conduct research on the topic “Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Role of Vocational Training in the International Labor Market”. The primary focus of the Visiting Scholar Program is to promote research in the field of international economic policy.

Globally, Visiting Scholar Programs are widely recognized for their academic, professional, and international networking benefits. These programs facilitate academic and inter-institutional knowledge exchange, provide access to new methodologies and approaches, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, support high-impact scientific publication opportunities, and contribute to strengthening institutional reputation.

The research conducted under the program underscores the significance of analyzing successful global models in vocational training and integration into the international labor market. These include South Korea’s TVET model combining vocational education with work experience, Germany’s dual education system, and the vocational training systems of Canada and Australia for skilled migrants.

The topic presented to the KIEP program was chosen with a clear purpose. The research aims to develop targeted curricula aligned with international labor market demands in certification programs, assess cooperation opportunities between AzTU’s School of Lifelong Learning and both local and international market partners, and explore pathways for joint projects with vocational institutions.