On June 26-28, one of the project partners, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University hosted a three-days training within the framework of HERD project. The representatives of University of Côte d'Azur (UCA) shared their experience by using six step training, based on a participatory approach. During the workshop, several key points of the Research & Development strategy were discussed: purpose, structure, objectives, steps that are typically undertaken while building the research strategy. Special focus was on the on the importance of building an R&D strategy that requires participatory approach to mobilize all assets to address social and economic challenges and foster better cooperation of academic and public sector. During the workshop was discussed UCA experience of regrouping of Higher Education Institutions within the framework of IDEX program and the selection of the limited number of the Campuses of Excellence