<< Objectives >>Increasing permeability between vocational and higher education Recruiting universities for tasks of further education in climate and environmental protectionProviding excellently qualified entrepreneurs, managers and skilled workers and reducing the shortage of skilled workers to meet the challenges in climate and environmental protection Strengthening the productivity of SMEs through innovation support and R&D projectsPromoting cooperation between SMEs and colleges/universities<< Implementation >>Analyses economy, education and labor markets and qualification needsCreation of solution models for 4 project countries Development and implementation of Train the Trainer programDevelopment and implementation of 2 dual three-stage Bachelor's degree programs and 2 further trainings in climate and environmental protectionImplementation of R&D projects in SMEsQuality assurance for training measures and project implementationDissemination, transfer of results and implementation consultation<< Results >>Result report of the analyses of the economy, education and labor markets and qualification needs.Solution models for four project countriesComplete train-the-trainer programModule manuals with all documentation for two dual three-stage Bachelor's programs in climate and environmental protectionTwo further education programs in climate and environmental protectionR&D projects implemented in SMEsQuality manual and results reportsManual, result videos and broad regional transfer of results

Europe could become more competitive and more innovative by recognising the role of VET in R&D. The European Commission is aware of that. The Council Recommendation on VET calls for the establishment of CoVEs, acting “…as catalysts for local business investment, supporting recovery, green and digital transitions, European and regional innovation and smart specialisation strategies, development of vocational education and training, including at higher qualification levels (EQF levels 5-8) in line with national context and provide innovative services such as clusters and business incubators for start-ups and technology innovation for SMEs, as well as innovative reskilling solutions …”. In the same vein, Erasmus+ has included applied research (AR) in VET as a priority. The objective of AIRinVET is, after understanding existing experiences, to define the role of VET in R&D by proposing a European reference framework for AR in VET. This framework will help European countries and regions to build more competitive innovation systems. To produce the framework, we will: 1- Do a mapping of VET centres involved in AR in Europe and abroad. The AR affinity group of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics will support us. 2- Do case studies to explain, describe, evaluate, and understand different approaches to do AR in VET. 3- Analyse how VET AR activities can fit in different policy contexts in Europe 4- Identify financial models of AR in VET. 5- Create a glossary to clarify the meaning of the term “applied research”, and other terms related to R&D, in the context of VET. 6- Identify the main barriers to engage SMEs: What are the success factors? 7- Create tools to develop VET staff and teachers mind-sets for AR. 8- Develop a framework and work on ways of building the capacity of VET systems to work on AR projects.9- Co-work with established AR agents within regional innovation ecosystems