Partnerships for change
Throughout its history the ETF has been fostering and engaging in partnerships to develop the policy eco-system in the EU’s neighbouring regions for the reform of education and employment systems. The ETF’s policy advice and guidance is based on a multi-stakeholder approach to governance and the creation of partnerships within and across the public, private and civic spheres. It draws upon developments in the European Union and international policy and practice.
The ETF’s scheduled communication campaign in April 2022 focuses on ‘partnerships for change’. It comes at tragic time for Ukraine and the world, brought by the devastation of war.
In this first edition of the ETF's monthly newsletter, Learning Connects, we highlight how, in these dark hours, education and learning are a vital source to ensure that the goodness of humanity will prevail and prosper. We are here in support of Ukraine, its resilience, recovery and renewal.
What is the recipe for a good partnership?
Not every partnership can be a success. But, if there is an immediate openness to dialogue and a detailed definition of the shared work and commitment to reach goals, it has a good chance of survival.
For example, public private partnerships for skills development differ from other policy areas in that a stronger role and commitment from the public sector is needed together with private sector engagement focused on business sustainability rather than immediate investment returns. An understanding of these factors from the outset augur success that can bring which include accessibility to training, demand-driven vocational education and training provision, employment and economic growth. For more information consult the ETF's publication on the topic.
In the recent ETF Skills Factory #15 podcast the value of partnerships was discussed by Helene Overmeer, coordinator international projects at HMC (Hydrographic and Marine Consultants), the Netherlands, and ETF’s Pirita Vuorinen, Senior Human Capital Development Expert and Coordinator for Engaging Enterprises in Skills Development. Helene and Pirita have been working together on an international project boosting innovation in the wood sector, including the Rivne region in Ukraine, with the help of developing partnerships within smart specialisation strategies.
“Partnerships make it possible to realise great projects. Still, they do not always begin right, do not produce the expected results or are exhausted shortly,” said Vuorinen. Therefore, identifying the right partner is crucial to establishing good synergy right from the start.
ETF as a partner
"Anyone in a partnership should focus on the areas where they can have the most added value" explains Xavier Matheu, the ETF’s Director ad interim. "For instance, for the ETF this is our long expertise in developing human capital adapted to the unique circumstances of countries where we work, and in doing so we have developed in depth country knowledge. This is what we can bring to a partnership, and it is for each organisation and institution to reflect on its own added value that it can bring to partnership arrangements," he adds.
Indeed, the ETF works with a variety of partners at national, regional (such as the Regional Cooperation Council of the Western Balkans), European and international levels for greater synergies, knowledge creation and impact. As well as creating opportunities and offering support through our various networks for stakeholders to form and grow partnerships (for example, vocational excellence, innovative educators), the ETF as an organisation engages in partnerships for greater impact in its work and to better support the United Nations Sustainable Goals. We undertake regular specialist research and diagnostic studies with other institutions of the European Union, for example the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, and we engage in joint activities with other European and international organisations such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UNIDO and UNICEF amongst others.
Recent ETF activities on partnerships include:
Partnerships for lifelong learning
The ETF has set up a new network which will support the foster partnerships and enhance the contribution of multiple stakeholders to the governance of vocational education and training, skills development and lifelong learning, entitled the GLAD network. It is open to the key actors in formal, non-formal and informal learning and employment support, including the public and private sectors, social partners, and civil society organisations (CSOs). The objective is to accelerate learning between partner countries and through the exchange of existing best practices.
Partnerships for craftsmanship
Recently, the ETF partnered with the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, a Swiss-based non-governmental organisation studying and promoting excellence in crafts. It is best known for its Homo Faber Guide in which it tries to define excellence and focuses on 11 criteria: authenticity, craftsmanship, innovation, originality, territory, training , competence, creativity, interpretation, talent, and tradition.
The partnership brought the Homer Faber Guide to new countries where these criteria were adopted based on which the ETF undertook an initial study of craftmanship and skills for the future in eight countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Albania, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Ukraine. Studies are currently being released in the first countries.
Partnerships for Ukraine
Due to the tragic circumstances in Ukraine there will be delay and review of the initial Homer Faber study. It will be followed up however and form part of the ETF's efforts in helping Ukraine on the road to recovery. Indeed, many varied partnerships will be required in supporting Ukraine rebuild and ensure that its education and employment system overcome the impact of war. The ETF is working to ensure that continued education and training within a lifelong learning perspective will serve Ukraine's resilience, recovery and renewal.