SIMAD University has been awarded an Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Module for the EUDIP Project – EU Digital Transformation and Innovation Policy Frameworks: Policy, Governance and Practice. The 36-month EU-funded initiative will introduce structured undergraduate teaching and research on EU digital transformation, innovation policy, governance and regulation. Mr. Mohamed Liban Isak will serve as Project Coordinator and Module Leader.

Somalia has experienced rapid growth in digital services, mobile money, online business and technology-enabled services. Yet university education in these areas has largely concentrated on technical and business skills, with less attention to the policy, regulatory and governance frameworks that shape digital development. EUDIP addresses this gap by giving students the opportunity to examine how digital markets, innovation systems and emerging technologies are influenced by public policy, institutions and regulation.

The module is closely connected to Somalia’s wider development agenda. Its focus complements the National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025–2030 and is consistent with priorities of the National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025–2029, particularly in the areas of transformational governance, social and human capital development, and expanded digital services. Its academic content also draws on major European Union frameworks, including the EU Digital Strategy, the Digital Decade 2030 and the European Innovation Agenda, allowing students to examine international policy approaches alongside Somalia’s evolving digital landscape.

Teaching, Research and Academic Engagement

EUDIP will offer three undergraduate courses: Introduction to EU Digital Transformation Policy, EU Innovation and Technology Policy, and EU Digital Governance and Regulation. The courses will address EU institutions, digital strategies, innovation systems, data governance, digital markets and regulatory approaches. Lectures, seminars, case studies and policy discussions will provide students with a structured understanding of how the European Union approaches digital transformation and innovation in policy and practice.

Research and academic engagement form another important part of EUDIP. SIMAD academics involved in the module will undertake research and produce peer-reviewed publications on EU digital transformation, innovation and governance. Conferences and academic discussion events will also provide a platform for engagement among students, academics, policymakers and other stakeholders. The relevent faculties will contribute to implementation, bringing together expertise in entrepreneurship, innovation, business, digital technologies and technology governance.

A key element of EUDIP is its integration into SIMAD University’s academic programmes. The courses developed through the module will be embedded in relevant undergraduate curricula, while teaching materials, research outputs and other project resources will be made available through an open-access platform as Open Educational Resources (OER). This will ensure continued access to the academic materials and support further teaching, research and discussion on EU studies, digital policy and innovation governance beyond the project period.