Nanjing/Qidong, China – September 14–20, 2025
The 5th Innovation Fair Sino-European Business Development Conference brought together leading figures in vocational education and industry from across Europe and China. Among the key participants were the coordinators of EfVET’s thematic team “Global VET”: Heidi Jokinen (KPEDU, Finland), Martin Huizinga (Zadkine, Netherlands), and Oscar Prat van Thiel (World Skills Development Alliance, Spain). Notably, Oscar Prat van Thiel also served as one of the main organizers of this prestigious event.
A Week of Collaboration and Opportunity
The conference, held from September 14th to 20th in Nanjing and Qidong, featured a packed agenda of company visits, industry forums, matchmaking sessions, and high-level networking. The EfVET team engaged with a wide range of potential partners—not only from the vocational education sector but also from industries such as intelligent manufacturing, AI, digital services, health technology, and smart city development.
KPEDU Student Mobilities: Real-World Learning in China
A standout achievement from this year’s collaboration was KPEDU’s successful implementation of student mobilities to China. Through the connections established via EfVET and the Innovation Fair, two media sector students from KPEDU had the unique opportunity to participate in the event as part of their Erasmus+ mobility. These students gained hands-on experience by working as photographers and assistants at the fair, learning new skills, and immersing themselves in an international professional environment. Their involvement exemplifies the tangible benefits of cross-border cooperation in vocational education.
Key Outcomes of the China Visit
- New Strategic Partnerships: The EfVET coordinators established initial agreements and mutual interest with several Chinese VET institutions and industry partners. These connections are expected to lead to joint projects, staff and student exchanges, and collaborative curriculum development.
- Industry Collaboration: Through matchmaking sessions and thematic company visits, the team identified concrete opportunities for collaboration in areas such as Industry 4.0, AI, and digital transformation. Several Chinese companies expressed interest in co-developing training modules and participating in skills competitions.
- Enhanced Global Network: The event enabled the Global VET team to expand its international network, connecting with both educational and business leaders from Jiangsu province and beyond. This network will support future EfVET initiatives and facilitate ongoing dialogue between European and Chinese stakeholders.
- Insights for Future Planning: The experiences and feedback gathered during the fair will directly inform the Global VET team’s strategy for the 2025–2026 school year. The coordinators identified best practices in Sino-European cooperation and pinpointed challenges to address in future projects.
- Commitment to Follow-Up: A follow-up meeting is scheduled for September 26th, where the Global VET team will prioritize actionable next steps, assign responsibilities, and begin rolling out new initiatives based on the outcomes of the China visit.
Building Bridges Between Education and Industry
The presence of the EfVET thematic team coordinators underscored the importance of international cooperation in vocational education and training (VET). Through their active participation, Heidi Jokinen, Martin Huizinga, and Oscar Prat van Thiel explored new avenues for collaboration with Chinese VET institutions and industry partners. Their efforts aimed to foster innovation, share best practices, and create opportunities for student and staff exchanges.
Oscar Prat van Thiel’s role as a main organizer further highlighted the commitment of the World Skills Development Alliance to advancing global skills development and facilitating meaningful partnerships between Europe and China.
About EfVET Global VET Thematic Team:
The Global VET team brings together coordinators and experts from across Europe to drive innovation, internationalization, and excellence in vocational education. Their participation in international events like the Sino-European Innovation Fair is a testament to their commitment to building a future-ready workforce through global partnerships.
