Education plays a central role in shaping society. Through teaching and learning, we are able to learn new skills and improve people’s day-to-day lives. At the heart of the education system are its institutions. In an effort to improve education, Romania requested support from the Advisory Hub.
Our experts helped the country’s universities define good business plans and financing models to make their projects succeed. Thanks to this advice, the universities were successful in getting approval for a Bank loan.
Rehabilitating the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
The Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, named after the founder of the country’s first National School of Medicine and Pharmacy, focuses on high-quality, student-centred medical training and research.
To improve the learning and research environment and increase its international visibility, the university wants to modernise its building.
The project will preserve the architectural heritage of the building and develop a centre for interdisciplinary and translational cardio-cerebrovascular research.
The university’s project fits more broadly into the Bank’s Romanian higher education programme loan that focuses on the construction, extension and renovation of a number of Romanian universities. It includes the renovation of the Faculty of Medicine building and the construction of two research centres for cardio-cerebrovascular studies.
The projects come with considerable costs and organisational requirements. For this reason, the Advisory Hub was brought in. Experts brought together by the Hub worked with the university to establish a solid investment plan and financial model to maximise investment opportunities, including potential European Union support. The Advisory Hub’s help, delivered in collaboration with innovation finance advisory experts, accelerated and improved the investment plan.
"Working with the Hub has enhanced the planning of the new investment and facilitated our dreams of improving medical scientific research and harnessing the potential of digital technologies."
Better facilities at Cluj’s Technical University
Viewed as Romania’s leading hub of technology and innovation, the city of Cluj is bursting with new residents who are waiting for opportunities to explore and demonstrate their talents. Last year, Cluj made it to the final stages of the European Capital of Innovation competition, cementing its standing alongside global technology and innovation hub giants.
The city’s Technical University, TUCN, has proposed a big upgrade programme. In order to continue its high-level academic offerings and research, the university plans to expand and improve research facilities and other services for students and faculty members. These enhancements include the construction and refurbishment of research and teaching facilities, such as an Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, and the refurbishment of the electrical engineering faculties.
The institution’s Management Board established the core criteria for the plans and asked the Advisory Hub to structure the investment plans and discuss possible funding at European Union level. Experts mobilised by the Advisory Hub helped the university define business plans and financing models, which improved their chances of getting finance. The university also benefited from Bank funding under the Romania Higher Education Programme Loan.
Investment in education strengthens democracy, enriches civic life and helps the economy by cultivating young talent and inspiring the next generation.