Context
In a world rapidly transformed by digitalisation and the pressing need for sustainability, industries are evolving at an unprecedented pace. This shift demands fresh skill sets and innovative training models—and at the forefront of this transformation are the Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs).
CoVEs are leading the way in preparing learners to thrive in the digital and green transitions. Through hands-on experiences, collaborative learning, and international exchange, they empower educators and institutions to stay ahead of the curve.
The DIGI ENE Initiative for digital excellence is the follow up of the Digitalisation in education and the role of Centres of Excellence | Open Space (europa.eu) lunched in 2022 under the ETF NETWORK FOR EXCELLENCE | Open Space (europa.eu)
The ETF Network for Excellence (ENE) has implemented several initiatives over the last three years in the area of digitalisation of education. The ENE network for digital excellence is gathering Centres of Excellence bringing interesting practices in the introduction of digital teaching and learning, and are committed to improve in this area through a variety of peer learning activities with other members of the thematic network, see DIGI ENE Initiative for digital excellence - highlights from 2024.
Highlights for 2025
In 2025, the ETF is giving an opportunity to the DIGI ENE members to present a collection of best practices at the Forum of Vocational Excellence. The event creates a platform for learning for the whole Community of Practice of CoVEs. One of the main goals is to provide matchmaking opportunities between the CoVEs, both nationally and internationally. After the Forum, the DIGI ENE members are going to engage in study visits to leading VET actors and institutions in Denmark, leaders in innovative teaching and learning.
The whole peer learning visit aims at promoting collaboration and educational enhancement through the development and use of educational technologies. It is going to provide an immersive experience to the participants, facilitating networking with other practitioners; encouraging reflection on the individual needs and transfer of knowledge (through study visits at hosting partner institutions & co-design sessions for collective knowledge sharing).
- Collaborative sessions among the members, collection of practices
- Design of the workshop to be provided during the Forum on vocational excellence
- Participation at the Forum on vocational excellence 2025
- Peer Learning visit in the area of digital teaching and learning
- Dissemination of experiences via a dedicated webinar for ENE members
Objectives
Digital transformation in education is not a linear pathway. Each country has a different starting point within each pillar and may progress at a different pace. For example, a country may have expanded connectivity and device access but may lack strategies to train or include teachers and learners in the design and rollout of digital solutions. The DIGI ENE Initiative for digital excellence is going to support its members to explore holistic strategies for using technology to achieve their education system goals.
Objectives of DIGI ENE Initiative for digital excellence 2025:
- Immerse CoVE members in cutting-edge digital teaching and learning practices.
- Spark innovation through collective knowledge sharing and scalable solutions
- Encourage thoughtful reflection and adaptation of new knowledge to individual and institutional needs.
- Strengthen collaboration across borders, fostering lasting transnational partnerships and vibrant knowledge networks.
Why Denmark? A Model of Digital Leadership
Denmark stands out as a global frontrunner in digital transformation, offering powerful inspiration and practical insights for CoVEs across Europe. With its bold National Strategy for Digitalisation launched in 2022, Denmark has set a strong example of how digitalisation can serve both economic growth and social inclusion. The country’s approach is holistic—spanning public services and private enterprises—anchored in the EU’s Digital Decade ambitions.
Denmark performs better than the EU average in digital skills indicators. According to the Special Eurobarometer ‘Digital Decade 2024’ survey, 83% of the Danish population consider that the digitalisation of daily public and private services is making their lives easier, well above the EU average of 73%.
By engaging with Denmark’s model and each other, CoVE members are not just keeping pace with change—they are shaping the future of vocational excellence.
Reference: to know more please contact Filippo Del Ninno - filippo.del-ninno@etf.europa.eu
Read more about the ETF Network for Excellence (ENE): launched in 2020 and is intended to encourage the sharing of ideas, practices and experience between centres of vocational excellence at both national and international levels. In addition, ENE works on development of partnerships through which groups of centres of excellence work together to improve in specific domains. It comprised more than 320 centres of vocational excellence from more than 50 countries worldwide, Vocational excellence – ENE | ETF (europa.eu)
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