Bridging Knowledge and Practice
Applied research in Vocational Education and Training (VET) links education, innovation, and industry to address real-world challenges and meet regional economic needs. VET institutions improve employability through updated curriculums, internships, and industry feedback. They also contribute to innovation ecosystems via partnerships and projects, often acting as testbeds for practical solutions. Despite challenges such as limited resources and systemic barriers, peer review findings reveal opportunities to strengthen VET’s research capacity, supporting the goals of the AIRINVET framework.
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Findings from Peer Review Activities During a group review activity, feedback was gathered from experts representing VET providers, Canadian expert, NBCC, and the European projects representatives from the Challenger Project, the Barcove Project, and the Nearvet Project. Their perspectives provided a multi-dimensional view of how VET institutions engage with applied research and their impact on innovation ecosystems.
Experts agreed that VET institutions are integral to regional innovation ecosystems. They noted that VET centres maintain strong connections with companies, where students often transition seamlessly into the workforce. This connection enables VET to play a critical role in bridging educational outcomes with industry needs.
However, there were differing opinions on how actively VET centres participate in research and innovation (R&I) and whether their projects have long-term viability. While some regions excel in fostering such collaborations, others face systemic barriers. Experts emphasized that the ability to engage in R&I often depends on institutional frameworks, funding availability, and regional priorities. VET Activities Beyond Training Discussions revealed that many VET institutions provide expert advice and support to companies, particularly in upskilling and reskilling their workforce.
However, conducting research on emerging skills, technological trends, and workforce needs requires additional resources. Some participants highlighted the importance of supporting VET institutions with funding to conduct these activities, as not all centres are equipped with the necessary research capacity. This gap highlights an opportunity to enhance the strategic role of VET in shaping future labour market trends. Challenges in Research Capacity and Expertise Experts pointed to critical challenges in expanding research capacity within VET institutions. These include insufficient infrastructure, limited access to advanced technologies, and time constraints for teachers to engage in research.
While some participants argued that research expertise can be developed, it is not always feasible for all teachers to take on a dual role as educators and researchers. Others highlighted that research itself can be a powerful teaching tool, enabling teachers to stay updated in their fields and inspire their students with practical, cutting-edge knowledge. The peer review activity underscored the dual role of VET institutions as educators and contributors to regional innovation ecosystems.
While VET is already well-positioned to influence workforce development through training, its potential in applied research remains underutilized in many contexts. Addressing challenges such as limited funding, research infrastructure, and teacher capacity will be key to unlocking this potential. These conclusions support the AIRinVET framework’s ideas, affirming its focus on enhancing the capacity of VET institutions to engage in research and innovation.
Investing in applied research within VET can yield significant benefits: improving curriculums, aligning training programs with future workforce needs, and fostering stronger connections with industries. By addressing systemic barriers and enhancing institutional support, VET centres can expand their role in research and innovation, becoming essential drivers of sustainable economic and social development.
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Authors of the article: Iñigo Araiztegui and Jone Etxebeste
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