On July 8, the public defense of Fred Kasirie Katongole's doctoral dissertation was held at Caucasus University on the topic "Industry and University Relations: Analysis of Companies' Interests, Perceptions and Approaches in Georgia".

The scientific supervisor was Professor Ekaterine Natsvlishvili.

The defense of the dissertation was held before the dissertation board, with the following composition:

• Elene Jgarkava, Associate Professor, Dean of the School of Business, Caucasus University;
• Ekaterine Natsvlishvili, affiliated, associate professor, European University;
• Boris (Buba) Lezhava, professor, Vice President of Research and Strategic Development, Caucasus University;
• Tengiz Taktakishvili, Associate Professor, School of Business, Caucasus University;
• Natia Zedginidze, professor, Kutaisi International University.

At the defense, the doctoral candidate presented the thesis and answered the questions, after which Tengiz Taktakishvili, associate professor of the Caucasus University, presented his evaluations of the thesis.

According to the evaluation of the thesis board, Fred Katongole Kasiriye successfully defended his thesis and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Management.