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A Joint Vision for Applied Research in VET - AIRinVET on Final Conference of Challenger project

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On December 3rd, 2024, Barbara van Ginneken of the AIRinVET partner Katapult, presented our project during the (online) Final Conference of the Challenger Project called A Joint Vision for Applied Research in VET. Even though the focus and scope of the project differ from AIRinVET, there clearly is a great overlap in gained expertise and this was therefore a great opportunity to share experiences, best practices and expertise. 

The main objective of the Challenger Project is to design and establish a sustainable and efficient structure that promotes innovation through Applied Research in VET. It will be supported by integration of innovative VET teaching methods to foster an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset, by the network of tutors, mentors and role models, and by the collaboration between different stakeholders in local communities and wider. Within the Challenger project Best Practices have been identified, a Makerspace Framework has been created and Self-Guided Courses haven been developed. 

The main objective of our project is to foster applied and innovation research by VET for SMEs in their region. To guide this, we developed the AIRinVET Framework, Self-assessment tool and Roadmap. The topic of Barbara’s presentation was the way we made our AIRinVET Framework accessible and workable for VET Centres and has been received with interest by the participants of Final Conference of the Challenger project 

After the welcoming speeches, a presentation about the Challenger Project and 2 presentations from sister projects of the Challenger project (one was about our project, the other about the BARCOVE project, presented Juan Manual Mondejar from Projar (Spain)) there was time for a brief discussion of 30 minutes about the future of Applied Research in VET. Questions addressed were: 

  • How can we continue the cooperation of next-generation maker spaces that support AR in VET? 

  • What would be your proposals, ideas, or recommendations for further development of AR in VET? 

Most important insight that came up during the discussion, and whereon all participants agreed, is that it is vital to strengthen the cooperation between VET centres and SMEs/Industry, making sure they take an active role withing their regional innovation ecosystem. Expertise gained within all projects (Challenger, BARCOVE and AIRinVET) should be disseminated and implemented widely and thoroughly.  

More information about the sister projects can be found here: Challenger Project /BarCoVE . 

More information on the Roadmap and the Framework is in our reports (see Outcomes). In the Tools section you will find the Self-Assessment Tool.