As part of its MA in Economics program, ISET has launched a new Concentration in Modern Data Analysis (MDA), which is aimed at providing young professionals with expertise in data (including big data) management and analysis using modern analytical tools. The concentration is currently funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia and is implemented in cooperation with the University of Tartu. ISET MA alumni and young professionals with equivalent education are eligible to participate in the concentration.

On November 6, ISET held an opening event specifically designed for the concentration in the form of an Information Sharing Workshop for “Building capacity in modern data analysis in Georgia”, which was conducted in cooperation with the University of Tartu (UT) and under the sponsorship of the Government of Estonia.

The Purpose of the Workshop was threefold:

1. Introducing the newly-established MDA concentration to local/regional data users/holders

2. Discussing interesting/promising research ideas with data users/holders

3. Identifying any internships and/or employment opportunities for MDA students and graduates.

It also included a number of speakers from a broad range of backgrounds:

• Jaan Masso – Chair of Economic Modelling, Head of Chair, Senior Research Fellow in Applied Econometrics, University of Tartu

• Rajesh Sharma – Department of Computer Science, Senior Research Fellow in Information Systems University of Tartu

• Hrant Davtyan – Instructor of Macroeconomics, Business Math and Business Analytics at American University of Armenia; Data Science Consultant in UNDP, Armenia

• Mikheil Nadareishvili- Head of Data Science Unit at TBC Bank

• Sophiko Skhirtladze – Head of Private Sector Development Centre, ISET-PI

• Giorgi Bregadze – Research Coordinator at Georgian National Tourism Association

• Karine Torosyan – Associate Professor, Head of MDA Concentration, ISET

• Kai Kaarelson – the Estonian Ambassador to Georgia

During the workshop, the speakers referred to local examples in which Big Data and AI were used, as well as possibilities with Big Data and AI in the public sector and in academic research.

Students will be required to attend seminars and research workshops, and will also have a chance to participate in Data Sharing Practices seminars organized by ISET with the participation of local data collection and analytical organizations. In addition, at the end of the academic, year students will participate in the annual Data Hackathon organized by ISET and UT (held in Tbilisi). A student with promising MPs will be encouraged to present their work during the event.

ISET will assist students accepted into the concentration to secure an internship in the field so that they build some practical experience before entering the job market. During the academic year, MDA students will have additional opportunities to interact with local data users and institutions operating in the region.