Empowering Women and Girls in Mongolia to Pursue STEM Careers and Develop Digital Businesses
Traditionally, women in Mongolia occupy an important place in the workforce and pursue education; however, trends driven by stereotypes and lack of self-confidence, as well as insufficient investment in the service sector, are not conducive to women’s equal participation in creating digital businesses.
Although the share of women working in STEM sectors out of all STEM workers in Mongolia remains one of the highest in the world, the proportion of women completing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) studies has decreased from 49.5% (2000) to 34.1% (2018) of all graduates (source: World Bank, Databank-Gender statistics). Few choose Information and Communication Technology (ICT) studies—only 1.4% of female university applicants, who constitute 55% of all applicants, whereas the share of men choosing these fields is significantly higher, at 5.4%. There are no entry barriers for girls (admission to IT studies requires only a higher mathematics exam score), but many unfavorable stereotypes and environmental factors exist that limit career choices in this field after graduation.
Case studies also show that a significant proportion of women and girls working in the technology sector are employed in non-technical roles such as administration, customer service, and similar positions. For example, in a 250-employee company (one of the largest IT companies), 33% of employees are women, but only 10% of women work in technical positions, whereas 57% of men do. Thus, women clearly face barriers in acquiring technology knowledge and education, especially in IT, and in starting businesses or pursuing careers in this field.
The project Enhancing Digital Skills of Women and Girls, Acquiring Universal Competencies in the Increasingly Digitalized Business Sector in Mongolia aims to strengthen the participation of women and girls in technology businesses in Mongolia. Activities are directed at two target groups and areas with tailored programs and content, seeking to: 1) introduce senior secondary school girls to STEM, especially IT career opportunities, and encourage the choice of these studies, which would help lay the foundation for broader participation in this rapidly growing global sector, and 2) provide girls and women who have chosen higher education with knowledge and practical skills to realize their ideas through technological entrepreneurship, strengthening their capacity to become creators of independent digital businesses and establish connections with innovative digital technology businesses in European Union countries, primarily startups and their development ecosystems.
EU4Business: Connecting Companies
Lithuania has established a partnership with Ukraine to promote legal content in the creative industries
Although legal intellectual content is currently becoming increasingly popular, it is estimated that the average Lithuanian internet user accesses illegal content nearly 26 times per month, while the EU average is 9.7 times per month per user. This causes content creators and distributors at least 15 million euros in damages annually. Relatively speaking, the scale of piracy in Ukraine is almost twice as large. The intellectual property legal system in Ukraine has fallen significantly behind the rapid growth of technological progress. Due to Ukraine’s failure to modernize its laws and provide effective deterrence, legitimate markets cannot develop, and the country remains a major exporter of illegal distribution to EU and regional markets.
In light of Ukraine’s expressed interest, Lithuania is prepared to engage and work more closely in this area. In addition to developing business support organization (BSO) partnerships to combat illegal audiovisual content in the digital space and promote business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by leveraging their potential, Lithuanian organizations and partners hope to reduce illegal content flows from Ukraine. Since intellectual property is a business-driven activity, more active participation by BSOs and intellectual content owners is essential. This will not only open new business opportunities for SMEs in the audiovisual sector in both countries, but will also encourage networking and increase demand for legal content internationally.
Project duration: December 1, 2021, ending March 30, 2022.
Key activities:
- Sharing knowledge and best practices from Lithuanian BSOs and institutions with Ukrainian BSOs and institutions on the legal system and institutional/regulatory framework/measures in combating piracy and copyright protection.
- Development of measures to combat illegal content, with joint participation of relevant institutions and BSOs.
- Transfer of knowledge and technology solutions, synergies with relevant institutions and BSOs to Ukrainian partners.
- Deepening companies’ understanding of the importance of their active participation in promoting legal content and its products, networking, and women’s entrepreneurship.
- Opening business opportunities for companies and BSOs by introducing them to the Lithuanian audiovisual sector and vice versa. Joint participation in international trade fairs and B2B meetings.
- Support audiovisual sector representatives in rural areas by giving them priority when selecting target SMEs.
- Raising public awareness about the use of illegal content and promoting the audiovisual sector: encouraging the desire to use legal works, helping SMEs and BSOs in this sector through new marketing plans, advertising campaigns and training, and other related activities.
Feedback from project participants can be found here.
Project organizer – INFOBALT. This is the largest digital technology sector (DigiTech) association in the Baltic States, with influence in policy-making, networking, and partnerships, aimed at creating the best conditions for technology adoption, market expansion, and export.
Project partner – Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. This is a non-governmental Ukrainian association uniting large, medium, and small enterprises, traditional industries, innovative sector exporters, and domestic market suppliers.
Mastering Artificial Intelligence Skills and Building a Real-Time Economy in Palestine
The project’s objective is to help students acquire practical skills in developing AI solutions and improve employability, transfer new knowledge and advanced working methods to market players, and contribute to solving long-term Palestinian economic challenges by applying innovative digital, data-driven technologies, attracting investment, creating higher added value and new jobs, and building horizontal connections between target groups.
More information can be found here.
Implementation of Mission-Driven Science and Innovation Programs (No. 02-002-P-0001)
Project description:
The project “Implementation of mission-based science and innovation programs” will be implemented in three priority mission themes according to smart specialization priorities:
- “Safe and inclusive e-society” – implemented by the Kaunas University of Technology consortium;
- “Smart and climate-neutral Lithuania” – implemented by the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University consortium;
- “Innovations for health” – implemented by the Vilnius University consortium.
Missions in different themes will promote joint science and business collaboration projects, develop and commercialize business and science ideas by establishing startups/spin-off companies, conduct fundamental or early-stage scientific research, and fill existing service and infrastructure gaps for research and experimental development (R) activities at high technology readiness levels. During project implementation, the issue of the shortage of spin-off company/startup incubators, prototyping spaces, and pilot production lines will be addressed.
The activities planned in the project will be implemented by April 2026. During this period, 3 competence centers will be established (one in each theme), 23 R projects will be implemented, 41 prototypes and 32 unique products will be created, 19 international patent applications will be submitted, 55 scientific publications will be published, and 21 startups/spin-off companies will be established.
Project objectives:
“Safe and inclusive e-society” – to increase cyber resilience and reduce the risks of privacy violations and personal data leaks, which will contribute to improving Lithuania’s cybersecurity situation and ensure a safer and more inclusive digital society.
“Smart and climate-neutral Lithuania” – to improve environmental quality and reduce air pollution by contributing to the reduction of Lithuania’s greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the use of sustainable solutions in the construction sector, and accelerating the construction market’s transformation toward sustainability and zero waste.
“Innovations for health” – to establish a gene translation technology center.
Project activities:
- Investment in competence centers – establishment of 3 competence centers (construction and acquisition of R equipment);
- Joint mission programs – implementation of 23 R projects;
- Innovation support and consulting services.
Project implementer:
Public Institution Innovation Agency
Project partners:
- Kaunas University of Technology consortium (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Mykolas Romeris University, Infobalt Association, Devslate Group UAB, Novian pro UAB, Lithuanian Cybercrime Competence and Research Centre, Transcendent Group Baltics UAB, Getweb UAB, Acrux cyber services UAB, NRD CS UAB, Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology).
- Vilnius Gediminas Technical University consortium (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, Lithuanian Innovation Centre, Sunrise Valley Science and Technology Park, Kaunas Science and Technology Park, SG dujos Auto UAB, Arginta UAB, 3D Creative UAB, Ekobazė UAB, Provectus Redivivus UAB, Kelių priežiūra AB, Soli Tek RD UAB, Nanoversa UAB).
- Vilnius University consortium (Vilnius University, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos Public Institution, State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Femtika UAB, Droplet Genomics UAB, Caszyme UAB, Biomapas UAB, Vugene UAB).
Project value: EUR 94.728 million
Project implementation period: 2023-08-01 – 2026-04-30
Project funding: EUR 88.530 million (funded by the Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan “NextGenerationLT” and the State Budget of the Republic of Lithuania)
CyberCare – Strengthening Cybersecurity Capabilities for Public and Private Sector Organizations in the Arab Republic of Egypt
This initiative aims to increase public and private sector awareness of cybersecurity threat management. The main objective of the project is to offer practical training on how to build or modernize SOC and CSIRT. The training will address the challenges of mandate development, design, value chains, people and processes, and service architecture, explaining how these elements fit together. The project activities aim to improve understanding of cybersecurity risk and strengthen overall cybersecurity capabilities, taking into account the current situation in Egypt.
Project social partners: Egyptian Informatics University, NRD Cyber Security.
The project is funded by the Lithuanian Development Cooperation and Democracy Support Programme and implemented in partnership with the Lithuanian Embassy in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
AIForge–Empowering Women in the Arab Republic of Egypt Through Digital Business Development
The project’s objective is to increase women’s participation in the labor market in Egypt’s digital technology sector. Therefore, the project activities include intensive hands-on training in technology, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship to address critical skills gaps and expand employment opportunities for Egyptian women. It also includes preparing participants for employment by providing them with the essential tools and skills needed for effective job searching, personal branding, and successful entrepreneurship. Direct beneficiaries are women and girls participating in the project, including recent graduates and those who are not employed but are interested in these fields. Indirect beneficiaries are businesses and the broader Egyptian economy, which will benefit from improved employment and expanded job search opportunities beyond local markets.
Project social partners: Egyptian Informatics University, Vytautas Magnus University.
The project is funded by the Lithuanian Development Cooperation and Democracy Support Programme and implemented in partnership with the Lithuanian Embassy in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Fostering Export Competitiveness Growth of Lithuanian DigiTech Companies by Implementing the International Partnership Development Initiative Project 'GITEX/Fintech SURGE – Lithuania'
During the implementation of the project, members of the DigiTech association INFOBALT will participate in and present their products/services at GITEX/Fintech SURGE. GITEX is one of the largest and most prestigious technology events in the world, taking place October 14-18, 2024, in Dubai, UAE. Fintech Surge is one of the 5 sections of GITEX Global exhibition, dedicated to showcasing financial technologies. By participating in this exhibition, Lithuanian companies can present their products and services on the global stage, attracting the attention of potential clients, partners, and investors from around the world. GITEX provides access to a diverse and international audience, which can help Lithuanian companies identify new market opportunities and expand their client base. This event features a global showcase of innovations: GITEX is known for presenting the most advanced technologies and innovations. Lithuanian companies can leverage this event to demonstrate their innovative solutions, gain recognition, and remain competitive in the technology industry.
The project is co-financed by the State of the Republic of Lithuania
Measures to Boost the Competitiveness of Lithuanian DigiTech Companies: Gitex Europe
The main objective of the project is to present Lithuania’s economic advantages, foster international trade relations, and support DigiTech sector companies in expanding their operations globally by showcasing their innovations, establishing strategic partnerships, and exploring new market opportunities.
As part of the project being implemented, members of the DigiTech association INFOBALT will participate in and present their products/services at the international event “GITEX Europe”. The event will take place on 21–23 May 2025 in Berlin, Germany. Together with the Lithuanian Commercial Attaché in Berlin, a networking event, “Forging Germany–Lithuania DigiTech Partnerships”, is being organised on 20 May.
The project is co-financed by the State of the Republic of Lithuania.
Contact
Innovation Bridge: GovFinTech Exchange Between Lithuania and Bhutan
CyberCare – Strengthening Cybersecurity Capabilities for Public and Private Sector Organizations in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan