As operational objectives V.I.R.TU.A.L. aims to di:- develop teaching methodologies availing of technology and/or ICT tools and develop teacher’s ability to incorporate Digital Technologies in teaching- equip students / learners with competencies to use/access tools, software and platforms- increase interaction between teachers and students- increase the level of understanding and reduce the grasping time and the effort that students need to learn information by using 3D concepts instead of 2D ones- offer a better delivery of basic knowledge even for complex issues, higher learning efficiency and better learning experience by AR/VR techniques- foster cooperation between VET and tourism industry by organizing conjoint sessions to co-design digital didactics materials- improve the level of competences, skills and employability potential of VET learners through new and innovative VET educational programs, in particular by applying innovative technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality in the VET institutions involved (AR) and simulators to facilitate the delivery of practical learning but also to improve the effectiveness of face-to-face and online teaching in long-term VET (Education 4.0)- establishing bridges of collaboration between training and tourism industry as means to ensure the proper usage of Education 4.0 at Western Balkan VETs- integrate the contribution of entrepreneurs (business associations, individual companies, etc.) in the production of innovative teaching materials capable of guaranteeing the practical approach required in VET as well as in study programs;- foster the exposure of staff, managers, policy makers and high-level teachers to approaches that bring the labor market closer to VET (dual learning, development of curricula with private sector partners, secondary schools).

Summary of the project:The project aim is modernisation and internationalisation of VET and bachelor curricula in engineering for renewable energies in the targeted universities in Albania through innovation of curricula in line with the new development in the area and the labour market demand.The project addresses the regional priorities of the countries for modernisation of curriculum in engineering and the strategic plans for renewable energies and need of specialists for the new jobs in the area.Outputs:- Up-to-date curricula in the strategic disciplines in line with the new development in the area of renewable energy with 15 courses developed with applying the approach with learning outcomes, ECTS and e-learning practices, including virtual mobility of students and staff;- 5 innovated laboratories for efficient practical training of students and 6 multimedia laboratories;- Staff trained for the development and delivery of innovated curricula;- HE responsive to the labour market demand;-Real internationalisation of HE in engineering/manufacturing through collaborative development/update of BSc and MSc curricula.Benefits at:- Local level: HEIs will have modernised curricula, modern laboratories upgraded with new equipment; enterprises in the sector will have better educated young engineers for the new jobs in manufacturing and processing for renewable energies; young specialists better prepared for the labour market and as a result - higher employability;- National level: improvement of HE in the country following the national priorities and strategic development.

Higher education sector is an area with high potential and relevance for the overall development of Albanian society and economy. For a pro-European development of the country, young academics, researchers, project managers, innovators and students are of crucial importance. Thus, it is a main motivation for this consortium to enhance an enabling higher education environment that supports university to society collaborations in order to co-produce knowledge and research with impact that is not only academically insightful, but also applicable to the development of Albania in light of European integration. The project strengthens institutional and human resources capacities in HEIs in Albania through the establishment of Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Brokerage unit (USIA) that link in an institutionalised and sustainable way university to business, government, civil society and media. The capacity building programme, models, guidelines, best practices, strategies and pilot programmes of cooperation (Second a Researcher, Policy Lab, Policy Challenge Fund) contribute to modernisation of HEIs governance and their integration in European Higher Education area. USIA will set up partnerships and launch collaborative projects between university and business sector, SMEs, start-ups, NGOs, CSOs, think tanks, public bodies and media with the aim to co-produce knowledge and research that are applicable to local priorities. The project will establish and expand a Quadruple Helix network and online platform which will offer networking, matchmaking, brokerage, dissemination, competences development, support and valorisation for academic and non-academic actors. The project widens participation in Erasmus+ CBHE by bringing together different typology of HEIs in Albania and actors from civil society, public and private sector. The project prioritises women in academia, research and innovation.