The NEARVET initiative emerged in response to a crucial challenge in Vocational Education and Training (VET): the lack of a structured approach to applied research. While applied research plays a vital role in fostering innovation and aligning VET with industry needs, it is often unrecognized, fragmented, or misunderstood within the sector. Research from CEDEFOP and the European Training Foundation (ETF) has long highlighted the need for stronger connections between research, industry, and VET institutions, ensuring that VET remains responsive to rapid technological and economic change.
The NEARVET activities were designed to tackle a fundamental but often overlooked question: If applied research is critical in Vocational Education and Training (VET), who are the applied researchers, what are their needs, and how can they be supported? Over the course of the project, we engaged with VET practitioners, businesses, and researchers across six European countries to develop a structured approach to applied research in VET.
Rinova’s Contribution to NEARVET
At Rinova, our mission is to design, implement, and evaluate inclusive skills development and lifelong learning programmes. We specialize in continuing professional development (CPD) for educators, trainers, and guidance professionals, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills to adapt to evolving industry needs.
Within NEARVET, Rinova played a pivotal role in defining and structuring applied research in VET. We led the development of the NEARVET Methodological Concept, a foundational study that set the framework for understanding and applying research in VET settings. This concept provided a structured approach to inquiry, ensuring that applied research is both accessible and practical for VET professionals and industry stakeholders.
Additionally, we spearheaded the implementation of the NEARVET Community of Practice (CoP) model, creating a collaborative digital space where over 200 practitioners, educators, and industry partners could exchange knowledge, develop learning resources, and co-design methodologies for applied research. The transnational and local CoPs became a key mechanism for engaging stakeholders across Europe, ensuring that applied research in VET is practical, industry-driven, and relevant to local and transnational needs.
A Lasting Impact: The NEARVET Digital Hub.
https://view.genially.com/6733179945bb8fa462cdc4a8
One of NEARVET’s most significant outcomes is the NEARVET Digital Hub, an open-access platform designed to support educators, trainers, and researchers in applied research. The Hub features:
- The Open Applied Research Resources Space, where partners and stakeholders can access and contribute research, case studies, and best practices.
- The NEARVET MOOC, a structured online learning resource providing essential competencies for applied researchers in VET.
- A transnational network of Communities of Practice, fostering ongoing collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing beyond the project’s lifetime.
The NEARVET Digital Hub is available for free in six languages, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience across Europe and beyond. This resource will continue to serve as a reference point for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers interested in advancing applied research in VET.
Potential Policy Impact and Recommendations for Strengthening Applied Research in VET
The 2022 Erasmus+ Forward Looking Cooperation Projects (FLCP) Call for Proposals emphasized the need for stronger connections between applied research, VET pedagogy, and industry collaboration. NEARVET directly addressed this priority by establishing a structured approach to applied research in VET, cantering on peer-led and learner-centred Communities of Practice (CoPs) as a key mechanism for fostering collaboration between education, business, and research institutions. By reinforcing the EU’s focus on innovation, digitalization, and lifelong learning, NEARVET has developed open-access resources, including the NEARVET Blueprint and Competency Framework, which provide practical solutions for integrating applied research into VET. These outcomes offer a replicable model that strengthens local innovation ecosystems and ensures VET institutions play a pivotal role in skills development and industry-driven research.
To sustain this impact, policymakers should institutionalize CoP-driven professional development in VET, embedding challenge-based and project-based learning approaches that enhance problem-solving and industry collaboration. Increased investment in digital platforms, like the NEARVET Digital Hub, would facilitate knowledge exchange and skill development. National and EU-level policies should adopt structured applied research frameworks, ensuring VET remains agile, responsive, and aligned with labour market needs. Aligning VET policies with regional Smart Specialisation Strategies will further position VET institutions as key drivers of innovation and economic development.
Explore NEARVET and access free resources: https://nearvethub.projectlibrary.eu/
The NEARVET project was co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
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