Enhancing the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence in the Danube Region by fostering competence and skill development, business-education cooperation and transnational networking

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2026-08-20

Description

Description (EN):

Thematic focus: Our main project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in the Danube Region (DR). CoVEs are pivotal institutions that provide high-quality vocational education and training (VET) programs tailored to meet the specific needs of industries or sectors, thereby playing a crucial role in equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to excel in their chosen fields and contribute effectively to the labour market. Challenges tackled: - Regional imbalances and negative trends e.g. out migration deriving from the lack of effective structures and models in peripheral regions to develop their human capital, - Growing tendency of early leavers from education especially in the eastern regions, which usually contain rural areas with a high share of disadvantaged population, - The rigidity of educational infrastructure and services not being able to give prompt responses to labour market needs, - Low level of skills and competences, - Non-harmonised demand and supply concerning VET. The project addresses these multifaceted challenges faced in VET, focusing on two key areas: i) Teaching and learning, and ii) Cooperation and partnerships: i) In the area of “Teaching and learning”, the project aims to anticipate future skill needs and equip individuals with relevant skills and competences. This involves developing innovative solutions for curricula-based competence development, implementing lifelong learning approaches and providing personalized career guidance services. Moreover, the project emphasizes the importance of green skills development to facilitate the transition to a sustainable economy, addressing areas such as renewable energy, resource efficiency, sustainable agriculture, circular economy and climate change adaptation. Additionally, the project focuses on enhancing the quality and efficiency of VET systems by modernizing education systems and strengthening work-based learning opportunities. ii) In the area of “Cooperation and partnerships”, the project seeks to establish long-term partnerships between educational institutions, businesses, and other stakeholders to promote innovation, skills forecasting, work-based learning, and the retraining of unemployed and inactive individuals. By fostering collaboration with universities, research organizations and international networks, the project aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote entrepreneurship and enhance the competitiveness of key industries. Furthermore, the project emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive and quality employment opportunities by empowering disadvantaged groups to access education and employment opportunities. Main objective and expected result: The main objective of the project is to strengthen VET systems in the DR, transforming them into Centres of Vocational Excellence. Through innovative approaches, strategic partnerships, and sustainable financing models, the project endeavours to create a more responsive, inclusive, and high-quality VET system that meets the needs of individuals, businesses, and society. By investing in people, promoting human capital development, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, the project contributes to building a skilled workforce, promoting social inclusion, and fostering sustainable development. The expected result of the project is the establishment of a sustainable network of CoVEs that contribute to the overall development and prosperity of the DR. By strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of VET institutions, the project aims to enhance the employability of individuals, combat brain drain, drive economic growth and promote social inclusion. Ultimately, the project seeks to build a skilled workforce, stimulate entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for individuals and communities across the DR to thrive. Contribution to EUSDR: The SMF DANUBE COVES project supports the preparation of a complex strategic transnational project that will contribute to EUSDR PA9 (People and skills). The objective of our proposal is to enhance vocational education and training in the DR by fostering: - competence and skill development in VETs (with a special focus on green skills and learning competences), - business-education cooperation, - transnational networking for mobility and transfer of good practices. This initiation deals with both focus topics (I. Labour Market and Social Policies, II. Education and Training) of PA 9. Actions as “Intensify Cooperation in Labour Market Policies (action 1)”, “Quality and Efficiency of Education and Training Systems” (action 5), “Relevant and High-Quality Knowledge, Skills and Competences” (action 6) and “Inclusive Education, Equity, Common Values and Sustainable Development” (action 8) are included in the EUSDR Action Plan. Our project is in line with all above actions.

Actual Achievements (EN):

Over the reporting period, SMF DANUBE COVES has achieved its main purpose as a preparatory, small-scale project: it has created a solid evidence base, a ready-to-run main project concept and a realistic funding roadmap to enhance centres of vocational excellence (CoVEs) in the Danube Region. Working together, STRIA (HU), SCSL (SI) and REDASP (RS) have used the SMF to design a future transnational initiative that will help VET schools and their partners better respond to SME labour-market needs and regional development priorities. First, the partnership built a robust analytical foundation on which the future DANUBE COVES project will stand. Under Output 1, a common methodology coordinated by SCSL combined desk research, surveys, interviews and focus groups in Hungary, Slovenia and Serbia. This work involved VET learners, teachers, school leaders, SMEs, business-support organisations, local and national authorities and higher education institutions. It resulted in two core deliverables: D.1.1.1 on target groups and their needs, and D.1.2.1 on the CoVE landscape and gaps in the three countries and the wider Danube Region. Together, these deliverables offer a clear picture of what different actors expect from CoVEs and where current systems fall short. Building on this evidence, Output 2 translated analysis into a concrete main project design. Led by STRIA, the partners developed a consortium blueprint that brings together VET providers, chambers and development agencies from several Danube countries, anchored in strong links to EUSDR PA9 processes. The partnership jointly shaped the intervention logic, work packages, outputs and indicative budget for the full-scale DANUBE COVES proposal, aligned with Interreg Danube Region Programme Specific Objective 3.2. These elements are captured in D.2.1.1 (Danube CoVEs partnership blueprint), D.2.2.1 (Main project work plan) and D.2.2.2 (Main project budget), which together form a coherent, ready-to-submit main project concept. Output 3 ensured that this concept is financially and strategically grounded. Under REDASP’s lead, partners scanned national and EU-level funding opportunities and confirmed the Interreg Danube Region Programme 3rd call, SO 3.2, as the primary route for the main project, while highlighting Erasmus+ KA220-VET and other instruments as complementary tracks. This work is consolidated in D.3.1.1 Funding source analysis. In parallel, the consortium prepared several side-project concepts (such as GUIDE-NEXT, MENTOR4VET and GreenVET Connect) and detailed development pathways for both the main project and the side initiatives. Deliverables D.3.2.1 and D.3.2.2 provide time-bound roadmaps, milestones and decision points that guide partners from the SMF phase into concrete proposal submission and later implementation. The added value of transnational cooperation is visible throughout the project. By working across three different VET and SME ecosystems, partners were able to distinguish common Danube-wide challenges from country-specific issues, and to design solutions that are both locally relevant and transferable. Joint analysis sessions, the transnational meeting in Pécs and presentations at the PAC online networking event and the 13th EUSDR PA9 Stakeholder Conference allowed the partnership to test interim findings and the emerging concept with a wider circle of ministries, agencies and experts, strengthening policy alignment and future uptake prospects. Overall, all three outputs foreseen in the application form have been fully delivered within the planned period, with almost complete use of the available budget and only minor, justified adjustments to the mode of delivery (for example, replacing larger workshops with targeted consultations where this improved access and feedback quality). The SMF DANUBE COVES project therefore closes with an evidence-based concept, a committed and well-balanced consortium and a clear funding and development roadmap, providing a strong launchpad for the forthcoming DANUBE COVES main project.

Thematic information

Education and training Social inclusion and equal opportunities Community integration and common identity

Priority: (VI-B_D_4) Priority 4 - A better cooperation governance in the Danube Region

Priority specific objective: ISO6.4. Enhance institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders to implement macro-regional strategies and sea-basin strategies, as well as other territorial strategies (all strands)

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO6 (ISO1) A better cooperation governance

Type of intervention: 171 Enhancing cooperation with partners both within and outside the Member State

Partners (3)

Lead Partner: DDRIÜ Dél-Dunántúli Regionális Innovációs Ügynökség Nonprofit Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU14194799

Address: Mária utca, 7621 Pécs, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://ddriu.hu/en/home/

Total budget: EUR 28 109.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 22 487.36

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 5 621.84

Regionalna agencija za ekonomski razvoj Šumadije i Pomoravlja

Name: Regionalna agencija za ekonomski razvoj Šumadije i Pomoravlja

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100559100

Address: Kralja Petra I, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.redasp.rs

Total budget: EUR 15 649.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 12 519.36

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 3 129.84

Šolski center Škofja Loka

Name: Šolski center Škofja Loka

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI13129635

Address: Podlubnik, 4220 Škofja Loka, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Education/training centre and school

Total budget: EUR 18 740.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 14 992.32

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 3 748.08

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Regional economic development agency for Sumadija and Pomoravlje

Enhancing the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence in the Danube Region by fostering competence and skill development, business-education cooperation and transnational networking

Partners and Projects info

School Center Škofja Loka

Enhancing the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence in the Danube Region by fostering competence and skill development, business-education cooperation and transnational networking

Partners and Projects info

South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency

Enhancing the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence in the Danube Region by fostering competence and skill development, business-education cooperation and transnational networking

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Enhancing the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence in the Danube Region by fostering competence and skill development, business-education cooperation and transnational networking

Project acronym: SMF DANUBE COVES

Project ID: DRP0401329

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2025-08-31

Project status: closed

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 62 498.80

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 49 999.04

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Description of the target groups addressed by the future project and their needs
CoVE landscape analysis and gap identification
Danube CoVEs partnership blueprint
Main project work plan
Main project budget
Funding source analysis
Project concept exploration report
Post-SMF Project Roadmap

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The main project serves as a significant contributor to the EUSDR by strategically addressing several key priorities and objectives outlined in the strategy:
- As outlined in the EUSDR, one of the primary goals is to promote economic development, innovation, and competitiveness across the DR. The project directly aligns with this objective by focusing on enhancing VET systems to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and innovation.
- The project plays a crucial role in fostering transnational collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders from different countries within the DR. By facilitating partnerships and networking opportunities, the project strengthens regional cooperation and promotes the sharing of best practices, expertise, and resources across borders. This collaborative approach not only contributes to the implementation of the EUSDR but also fosters a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding among participating countries.
- The project's emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship aligns with the EUSDR's objective of promoting smart and sustainable growth. Through the development of innovative VET models, curricula, and training programs, the project equips individuals with the skills and competencies needed to adapt to technological advancements and emerging trends in the labour market. By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, the project supports the growth of SMEs, promotes job creation, and drives economic development in the DR.
- The project contributes to the EUSDR's objective of promoting social inclusion and reducing disparities within the region. By targeting peripheral and marginalized regions, the project aims to reduce inequalities in access to education, training, and employment opportunities. Through tailored interventions and capacity-building initiatives, the project empowers marginalized communities, promotes social cohesion, and fosters inclusive growth across the DR.
EuropeanGreenDeal The main project aligns closely with the goals and objectives of the European Green Deal. Its focus on promoting green skills development and sustainability in vocational education and training (VET), the project contributes significantly to advancing the priorities of the European Green Deal.
- The project addresses the urgent need for a skilled workforce capable of driving the transition to a green economy. By developing training programs and curricula focused on renewable energy, resource efficiency, and sustainable agriculture, the project equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to support green industries and technologies. This emphasis on green skills development helps to bridge the skills gap and ensures that Europe has the human capital necessary to meet the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.
- The main project promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in green sectors, fostering the development and adoption of sustainable technologies and practices. By encouraging the growth of green SMEs and promoting green entrepreneurship, the project drives economic growth while advancing environmental objectives.
- The project contributes to the European Green Deal's commitment to social inclusion and just transition by ensuring that green opportunities are accessible to all. By prioritizing engagement with marginalized communities and promoting inclusivity in green skills development initiatives, the project helps to reduce inequalities.
- By promoting green skills and sustainability awareness among VET learners and educators, the project fosters a culture of environmental responsibility and contributes to building a more sustainable society.
By equipping individuals with the skills and green competencies needed to support the transition to a green economy, the project contributes to building a more sustainable and resilient future for Europe.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The main project significantly contributes to the Territorial Agenda 2030 by addressing several key priorities:
- By focusing on green skills and competences, the project aligns with the agenda's objective of promoting sustainable development and reducing environmental impacts.
- The project facilitates cross-border and transnational networking of VET institutions, promoting cooperation among different regions and countries. This supports the integration beyond borders and strengthens territorial cohesion by fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between diverse territories.
- The main project promotes functional regions by enhancing the convergence of local and regional development through the establishment of Centres of Vocational Excellence. These centres serve as hubs for skills development, business-education cooperation, and innovation, contributing to economic prosperity and social well-being across various places in the Danube Region.
Overall, the main project's focus on skills and competence development in VET, cross-border networking, and the establishment of Centres of Vocational Excellence directly aligns with the objectives and priorities of the Territorial Agenda 2030, thereby contributing to the promotion of a balanced, inclusive, and sustainable European territory.

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-08

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

138 / 138 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 395 / 1 395 (100%)

Notes on the data

There are discrepancies in this programme's financial data in keep.eu. Namely, in one or more cases, the sum of the project partners' budgets exceeds the total budget of the respective project. Interact is working with the Programme to correct those figures.

Languages

Contact Form

Enhancing the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence in the Danube Region by fostering competence and skill development, business-education cooperation and transnational networking

Description

Thematic information

Partners (3)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer