The role of CoVES: Applied Research and the Digital and Green Transitions

VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR INNOVATION: BUILDING EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE ROLE OF COVES IN APPLIED RESEARCH, THE DIGITAL TRANSITION AND THE GREEN TRANSITION

Under this work package two international studies will be carried out:

• The role of CoVEs in supporting the digital and green transitions and its implications for the VET institutions, as well as for teaching and learning practices. 
• A mapping study on international best practices on the contribution of VET to applied research, with the double aim of providing learners with project-based learning opportunities, and companies (in particular SMEs) with access to new forms of innovating their practices, products and services.

The studies will analyse the complex nature of CoVEs in different contexts and their contribution to the digital and green transitions and applied research. In each study, ETF will look at 4-5 CoVEs (case studies) around the world. . The focus will be both on initial and continuous VET. The impact of CoVEs on the VET systems and the transmission of excellence at the system level will be integrated into both studies.

The case studies should serve as an inspiration for other centres/schools with ambitious goals.

Study on the role of COVEs in supporting the digital and green transitions

The case studies will examine those aspects of policies (the CoVE’s policies and national policies) and practices that the CoVEs believe have been most influential in becoming a leading centre for the green/digital transition. They will identify factors that have an impact on the successful transition to a green/digital CoVE and, more generally, quality improvement. The studies will also discuss those factors which are likely to have an impact on the green/digital transition of CoVEs in the next five years and how centres may need to change to respond to these new challenges.

The work started in June 2022. A team of consultants from the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) has been contracted to carry out the studies in close cooperation with the ETF. An inception report, including a methodology and an outline of the studies/analysis, has been developed. The next steps are preparation for data collection, implementation of missions and interviews. The draft studies are expected by the end of October and a final report by the end of January 2023.

Mapping study on international best practices on the contribution of VET to applied research

The study will compare the involvement of different VET systems (4 countries) in applied research projects through a cross-national analysis of the policy frameworks (including financing mechanisms) that allow participation of VET systems in applied research projects and partnerships. 

Furthermore, the study will identify the main processes and activities related to applied research (and its interlinkages with other Innovation Hub services) in VET across four international best practices and how applied research activities in the four international best practices generate learning opportunities for students.

To support the ETF, a  team of consultants from ECBO-CINOP has been contracted and started its work in June 2022. A methodology and a short overview of possible countries/ VET systems to be covered by the study have been prepared. The next steps are the development of instruments for data collection, site visits and interviews with relevant stakeholders.  The final version of the study is expected in January 2023.

In the first half of 2023, two dissemination events will be organised to share the findings of the two studies.