The aim of the program - "The Role of Universities in Regional Development" was to increase the role of Georgian regional higher education institutions in regional development in cooperation with the EU partners, to modernize their mission and strategic development plan, as well as to strengthen cooperation between universities and local authorities, considering the specifics of each region. On July 9, 2021, the program established a Conference of Permanent Rectors of Regional Universities to discuss issues and challenges specific to the region.

The implementation of the program - RURD started in 2019 and ended in 2022. The National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement was involved in the program together with the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, 11 regional universities of Georgia - Akaki Tsereteli State University, Kutaisi University, Kutaisi International University, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Batumi State Maritime Academy, Batumi State University of Arts, Shota Meskhia Zugdidi State Teaching University, Gori State Teaching University, Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University, Samtskhe-Javakheti State University, Caucasus University and 4 EU member universities - Santiago de Compostela University (Spain), FH JOANNEUM University of Applied Sciences (University of Applied Sciences) (Czech Republic) and Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania).
 
Program - RURD Official Website  - https://rurd.atsu.edu.ge/