Cedefop launches a call for abstracts for the virtual conference “The future of VET: A driver for excellence, competitiveness and inclusion”, to be held on 19 November 2026. Selected contributions will directly feed into the discussions of the conference, establishing a strong link between research evidence and policy dialogue.
Building on its research on the future of vocational education and training (VET) , this conference will bring together researchers, policy makers and practitioners to explore how excellence and inclusion are defined, implemented and advanced in VET systems across Europe. It will also provide a forward-looking discussion on the main challenges and opportunities facing VET in the coming decades, with selected abstracts forming a core part of the programme.
Abstract submission topics
Cedefop invites researchers and analysts to submit original and cutting-edge research addressing one or more of the following themes:
- Excellence in VET at national level and the way it shapes reforms, governance arrangements and policy implementation. Contributions may include institutional reforms, pedagogical and curricular developments, and stakeholder coordination within and beyond VET systems.
- institutional reforms and initiatives;
- pedagogical and curricular developments;
- stakeholder involvement and coordination within and beyond VET systems.
- Future approaches to inclusion in VET and the ways VET systems can widen participation while supporting social cohesion and labour market objectives.
- Exploring the integration of AI in VET, ensuring EU Member States’ VET policies and systems remain future-ready while also promoting inclusion and accessibility. Contributions may address, for example:
- Uptake or embeddedness of AI into VET systems (through policies, teacher training, curriculum reforms, governance/funding arrangements);
- Initiatives on supporting personalised learning pathways through AI tools/policies/initiatives;
- insights on safe, ethical, and compliant use of AI in VET systems.
Abstract submission guidelines
Researchers from academia and applied policy research are invited to submit an extended abstract of up to 1,000 words via EUSurvey.
Submissions should clearly outline the topic of the research, objectives, methodology, data sources, key findings (where available), and relevance to the conference themes. All submissions will be reviewed by Cedefop. Selected abstracts will be presented during the conference.
For more information please check the Call for Abstracts
Practicalities
Participation in the conference is free of charge upon registration. Selected abstracts and conference’s presentations will be published. Authors of selected abstracts will be also invited to submit a full paper. All material will be published in the Cedefop’s Community in Zenodo, and referenced on Cedefop’s website.
Important dates:
- Abstract submission deadline: 15 July 2026
- Notification of acceptance: 15 September 2026
- Conference Registration: opens on 1 October 2026
- Online Conference date: 19 November 2026
- Indicative date for publication in Cedefop’s Community in Zenodo: Spring 2027
The event is organised as part of the European Skills and VET Week, an initiative of the European Commission coordinated by Cedefop. Since 2016, the Week has provided a platform for policy makers, stakeholders and social partners to exchange knowledge, showcase good practices and support strategies for upskilling and reskilling the European workforce.