Knowledge Package 2
Building skills ecosystems for innovation, smart specialisation and socio-economic development.
Knowledge Package 2 is an advanced stage in building strategic partnerships. While Knowledge Package 1 focuses on building partnerships and engaging stakeholders, this package takes partnerships to the next level. It focuses on the development of strategies to apply vocational excellence in the context of well-functioning skills ecosystems that operate regionally, nationally and internationally. Applied research, anticipation of regional development strategies and innovation are the daily practice of the centre.
Does your centre face challenges on any of the following points?
- Creating a shared vision of participation in skills ecosystems with industrial partners
- Making internationalisation a structural part of the training policy
- Using research methods to collect data to improve training programmes
- Incorporating innovation and smart specialisation into training programmes
- Building applied research capacity in collaboration with industry and/ or higher education
- Using advanced technologies in education and training
If the answer to any of the above is "yes", this Knowledge Package can help you meet these challenges!
Learning from others
The Knowledge Packages support interested, aspiring institutions to learn more about developing and enhancing vocational excellence. A Knowledge Package is a one-stop-shop that provides inspiration and helpful resources on an essential aspect of vocational excellence. Each Knowledge Package is aimed at different stages of development: from beginner to advanced.
TourX - Centres of Vocational Excellence for the Tourism Industry, Greece
Creating vocational excellence through a bottom-up knowledge triangle model in the Attica region
Top 3 takeaways from this case study:
- TourX is developing a bottom-up approach to excellence in the tourism sector, empowering VET and HE institutions to adapt skills provision to evolving economic and social demands, based on the model of regional knowledge triangles.
- Achieving vocational excellence in the tourism sector means ensuring a smooth flow of information between the market and the VET sector.
- Establishing a dialogue with other projects and initiatives in the tourism sector, such as the Pact for Skills, is key to enhancing the overall impact and effectiveness of this centre.
“Vocational excellence for us is a holistic approach of how to provide training that will impact people’s lives – not only to prepare them for employment, but to empower them and improve their quality of life.” - VET school representative
You can read the full case study here
Centre of Excellence for Economics and Finance (CEEF), Moldova
A robust ecosystem that is embedded in national policy frameworks. CEEF is at the heart of curricula innovation and anticipation of future skills needs.
Top 3 takeaways from this case study:
- Strong relations with government and alignment with national policies is essential to building skills ecosystems.
- Establishing structured collaboration mechanisms, such as industry advisory boards and formal agreements, helps ensure long-term commitment to the ecosystem.
- CEEF plays a pivotal role in its VET ecosystem by bridging education, industry, and policy. Through labour market surveys, industry roundtables, and direct employer engagement, CEEF anticipates skills needs and supports smart specialisation..“I came to CEEF because it increases my chances of finding employment. The status of CEEF as a CoE means that I can continue my education at a university more easily.” - Student
You can read the full case study here
The routes to vocational excellence
There are multiple pathways to achieving vocational excellence, and each centre will progress at its own pace. However, when it comes to partnerships, every centre will inevitably pass through key 'stations', including collaboration, the development of training programmes, and the delivery of training:
Station 1: Building partnerships within the wider ecosystem
Station 2: Adopting innovation and smart specialisation programmes
Station 3: Delivering training with active private sector involvement
Station 1: Building partnerships within the wider ecosystem
What does this station offer?
Resources to help centres to focus and define a common strategy on regional priorities and to develop partnerships with relevant partners to contribute to the labour market challenges in the region through skills ecosystems.
Station 2: Adopting innovation and smart specialisation programmes
What does this station offer?
Examples of methods for collecting data from a range of stakeholders to improve training programmes with private sector input. It includes examples of how to collect labour market data and design responsive training.
Station 3: Delivering training with active private sector involvement
What does this station offer?
Practical resources for implementing innovative training with active support from the private sector in terms of knowledge sharing, equipment and/or infrastructure. It includes various innovative approaches such as applied research and project-based learning.
Selecting one of these stations will take the user step by step through the different resources, tips and recommendations. Knowledge Package 1 and Knowledge Package 2 are divided into similar stations, but the selection of resources and recommendations for each package is different. Knowledge Package 1 compiles resources focused on the start-up phase of achieving vocational excellence. Knowledge Package 2 provides resources and recommendations at a higher level of complexity. This will help the centre to grow from a 'beginner's level' to a more 'mature' level of vocational excellence.
Station 1: Building partnerships within the wider ecosystem
Participate in the development of local, national and international skills ecosystems.
Where to start?
Engage partners through a shared vision and emphasis on mutual benefits:
- Define the mutual benefits of cooperation for enterprise and education.
- Highlight the role and opportunities of research in education: solving real-world challenges, preparing learners for the workforce, and "testing before investing".
- Provide short courses and upskilling programmes for the workforce to meet evolving skills needs.
- Institutionalise research through a dedicated research unit or collaboration with a university or research institute.
Identify regional challenges and priorities:
- Engage with the private sector in the region to identify key industry challenges. This can be achieved through employer surveys, stakeholder roundtables, focus groups, and other consultative methods.
- Consult (research) publications on sector skills needs, sector trends, and demographic and labour market figures.
- Set clear priorities for the partnership based on identified regional needs.
Strengthen expertise through strategic partnerships:
- Collaborate with research institutions and industry experts to develop expertise in specific areas and training programmes.
- Identify gaps in expertise and broaden the partnership by involving relevant government agencies, international organisations, or local stakeholders.
Expand your network across sectors and borders:
- Look beyond the sector and explore cross-industry collaborations at the national and international level.
- Participate in international projects and networks to exchange knowledge and discover innovative solutions.
Embed internationalisation in training policies
- Integrate international mobility projects (e.g., KA1 Erasmus+ projects) into your training programmes or become a host organisation for students from abroad.
- Develop strategies to expose learners and staff to global best practice and cross-border cooperation.
For more resources, please check out the e-library.
Station 2: Adopting innovation and smart specialisation in training programmes
Consult stakeholders on regional needs and challenges to improve training programmes
Where to start?
Find partners for an international panel of experts to get direct input from industry and to incorporate innovation, smart specialisation and socio-economic developments into training strategies. For example by:
- exploring the work of the ETF's Network for Excellence (ENE) and explore possible benefits for the centre to join such networks.
- monitoring the work of sector-specific organisations such as WorldSkills, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) or Cedefop. Attend events such as the WorldSkills conference, VET4EU2 and ETF events to meet experts.
- following the networks and organisations mentioned above on LinkedIn to stay up to date about their events and activities.
Establish an international advisory board
- Form a board of sector experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to provide strategic input on innovation trends and socio-economic developments.
- Organise annual roundtables where experts, educators, and industry partners review emerging skills needs and recommend curriculum updates.
Engage with regional industry networks
- Partner with local companies, sector organisations, and innovation hubs to stay informed about emerging technologies and workforce needs.
- Regularly consult with industry partners to co-develop courses and training programmes that reflect the latest market needs.
Use labour market data for skills forecasting
- Analyse job postings and LinkedIn profiles to identify trends in green skills, digital skills, and urbanisation that are relevant to education and training programmes.
- Translate these insights into new course offerings, micro-credentials, or upskilling opportunities for students and workers.
Survey students and alumni on skills gaps
- Conduct targeted surveys and focus groups to assess skills gaps in key societal areas, such as sustainability, healthcare, and smart cities.
- Use the findings to refine curriculum content and develop new learning pathways that address real-world challenges.
Learn from innovation hubs and field labs
- Organise study visits, guest lectures, and knowledge exchanges with successful innovation hubs and living labs.
- Develop a joint strategy with innovation leaders to bring cutting-edge practices into vocational education and training.
Embed research into education
- Conduct skills mapping and gap analysis with industry partners to design future-proof curricula.
- Integrate applied research projects into the student learning experience, focusing on industry-relevant and societal challenges.
Engage with innovation hubs through VET programmes
- Strengthen partnerships with innovation hubs by integrating applied research, student internships, and project collaborations into VET curricula.
- Create work-based learning experiences where students and teachers engage directly with industry challenges.
Integrate transversal skills into learning
- Incorporate practical business cases from companies into training, focusing on entrepreneurship, green skills, and digital literacy.
- Align training content with European competence frameworks such as EntreComp (entrepreneurship), GreenComp (sustainability), and DigiComp (digital skills) to ensure well-rounded skills development.
For more resources, please check out the e-library.
Station 3: Delivering training with active private sector involvement
Agreements with the private sector for applied research, equipment, and infrastructure.
Where to start?
Provide modern infrastructure and technology:
- Partner with companies to equip training centres with state-of-the-art facilities, machinery, and digital tools to mirror industry settings.
- Establish co-branded labs or learning spaces where students can experiment with new technologies and processes used in the workplace.
Encourage creativity and real-world problem solving:
- Design open-ended projects and challenges where students propose innovative solutions to industry problems.
- Invite entrepreneurs and professionals to mentor students in turning ideas into viable projects.
Encourage collaboration between students, teachers, and industry professionals in joint research projects to drive innovation and progressively introduce applied research. For example:
- Pair students with both academic and industry mentors to guide their research and provide practical insights.
- Organise events where students can share their digital and technical skills with industry professionals.
- Organise hackathons, research competitions, and innovation challenges where students work with industry professionals.
- Start with small-scale research projects focused on real business needs, such as optimising production processes or testing new materials.
- Gradually expand to larger industry-driven research initiatives, integrating VET and HE expertise.
- Establish joint research internships, innovation projects, and field labs where vocational and higher education students work together on technological and business challenges.
Incorporate hands-on learning through competitions and hackathons:
- Organise industry-sponsored hackathons and competitions/ pitches where students develop solutions to real business problems.
- Introduce project-based learning modules that mimic actual workplace scenarios.
Enhance training with advanced technologies:
- Use XR, MR, AR, and VR tools to provide realistic training simulations in areas such as engineering, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Develop virtual training modules that allow students to practice complex skills in a safe and immersive environment.
Integrate work-based learning with industrial partners:
- Organise (work) placements for teachers, staff, and learners: see package 1, station 3 for concrete recommendations and actions
- Organise study visits to companies and international projects where students can experience the working environment first-hand.
- Cooperate with private sector trainers to co-deliver specialised courses.
Provide lifelong learning opportunities through short courses and workshops:
- Co-develop micro-credentials and upskilling programmes with companies to train both students and employees.
- Organise master classes on emerging trends, delivered by industry professionals.
Develop international learning through mobility projects and international weeks:
- Partner with education and training centres abroad to create virtual and physical internships that allow students to work on cross-border challenges.
- Develop international exchange programmes where students and staff can share knowledge and best practice.
- Organise international weeks with students from abroad to work on the acquisition of language and intercultural skills as well as technical skills in projects.
Engage the regional ecosystem through industry events:
- Organise demonstrations, exhibitions, and matchmaking events where students can present their projects to companies.
- Organise pitching sessions where students present innovative ideas to potential investors or employers.
