BalVET - Crisalus Communications

The BalVET journey began with maker pedagogies, where learning is grounded in doing. Instead of lectures about business plans, students are challenged to identify a real-world problem in their community. Here, knowledge is constructed through iteration: students prototype, test ideas in real contexts, reflect on failures as valuable data The classroom becomes a studio, and the teacher shifts into a facilitator role — guiding inquiry rather than dictating outcomes. Learning is messy, nonlinear, and deeply personal. Socio-constructivism pedagogies solidify the problem-solving foundations, where students acquire critical transversal skills in small-group learning settings enhanced by peer learning to co-create knowledge.
Enter EntreComp: Structuring the ChaosWhile maker pedagogy fuels creativity, and knowledge building solidifies problem-solving skills, the EntreComp framework provides structure. The students’ journey naturally aligns with its three competence areas:
1. Ideas & Opportunities..... Participants in this marvelous process spot opportunity to create value or fill a gap by creating a niche product or service, and develop a vision. Creativity is not abstract — it is embodied in prototypes and tangible solutions.
2. Resources..... students learn to mobilize what they have: skills within the team local and virtual mentors limited materials. They also confront VUCA environment of today's rapidly-changing, global economy: Volatility: Rapid shifts in labour markets, driven by technological change and economic transitions Uncertainty: Unclear future skill demands and evolving career pathways Complexity: Interconnected systems—education, industry, policy—struggling to align Ambiguity: No single “right” solution for preparing learners for future work Traditional education and policy approaches—linear, siloed, and slow to adapt—are not equipped for this reality. uncertainty, volatility, learning resilience when early prototypes fail.
3. Into Action..... Participants move from idea to implementation: testing with real users pitching their solution to local stakeholders refining based on feedback. EntreComp turns their making into entrepreneurial learning, connecting hands-on activity with competence development.

BalVET is an innovative Erasmus+ initiative designed to foster entrepreneurship, sustainability, and workforce preparedness, strengthen education and training systems, promote cross-sectoral collaboration, and foster innovation. It addresses critical skills development needs to reverse the “brain drain” from the Western Balkans while preparing a talent pool capable of thriving in rapidly-evolving, and sometimes abruptly changing, workforce environments.

Guided by the new EU Youth Strategy (EUYS) and key EU frameworks, BalVET aims to help the region recover and adapt to labor markets reshaped by social disruptors, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. The project recognizes that global challenges like the lingering effects of the 2008-2013 financial crisis and the upheaval caused by the pandemic have fundamentally altered workforce realities. Many of today’s jobs did not exist a decade ago, and the pace of innovation is creating new professions and roles requiring dynamic skillsets. Alternative work environments—remote work, hybrid schedules, digitized business relationships—have become the norm, demanding that workers and employers alike adapt to these "new normals." BalVET’s activities are tailored to address these challenges.

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BalVET focused on convening and aligning key stakeholders who are often disconnected in traditional systems. Representatives from academia, vocational education and training (VET), public bodies, industry, and employers are intentionally brought into the same space — not as observers, but as co-leaders. This phase established a shared purpose: strengthening skills ecosystems to support economic development. By creating a neutral, facilitated environment, BalVET enabled participants to move beyond institutional silos and recognize their interdependence.
Listening to Reality, Not AssumptionsThe process then shifts into listening and co-creating agendas. Rather than imposing predefined solutions, stakeholders engage in structured dialogue grounded in labour market evidence, experiences of educators and learners, and the needs of employers and industry Through this exchange, gaps become visible— skills mismatches, outdated curricula, and missed opportunities for innovation. Importantly, this phase ensures that the agenda is not owned by one group, but collectively shaped by all.

Co-Designing for Relevance and Impact
With shared priorities established, the group moves into co-designing solutions and policies. This is where BalVET’s earlier work on maker pedagogies and entrepreneurship competences feeds directly into the discussion. Stakeholders collaboratively explore how to: Embed hands-on, project-based learning into VET curricula Integrate entrepreneurial competences aligned with real market needs Develop skills development projects that mirror industry challenges Create pathways for learners to transition into employment or self-employment Employers contribute practical insights, educators translate them into pedagogical approaches, and policymakers ensure alignment with broader strategies. The result is a set of solutions that are both innovative and implementable. Building Ownership and Commitment The fourth phase focuses on agreeing and committing. Ideas are refined into actionable recommendations, with clear roles, responsibilities, and timelines. What distinguishes this process is shared ownership. Thus, BalVET demonstrates that when stakeholders move from consultation to co-creation, skills development is no longer an isolated activity it becomes a strategic driver of regional prosperity.

The BalVET Community of Practice around entrepreneurship education and training serves as a collaborative, dynamic network of educators, trainers, students, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders focused on fostering knowledge-sharing, innovation, and best practices in entrepreneurship. Its purpose is to create a shared space where participants can collectively advance their understanding of entrepreneurship, enhance teaching and training methods, and build real-world solutions. By supporting e-learning coursework, open badges, and student mobility, BalVET creates structured learning pathways that equip participants with entrepreneurial, digital, and adaptive skills vital for navigating shifting labor market demands.

By mapping synergies in innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, BalVET centralizes resources and offeris environmental scans that identify sectoral pressures and good practices. These scans will highlight innovative education policies and methodologies for both formal (e.g., Sarajevo School of Science & Technology, Universum College, University of Donja Gorica) and non-formal learning environments (e.g., Institute of Collaboration for Integration and Development Albania). The findings will guide stakeholders in transforming educational paradigms toward fostering entrepreneurial mindsets.

Through Collaborative Learning Processes (CLP), BalVET creates a dynamic network of trainees, mentors, and stakeholders, promoting entrepreneurial skills and building an interconnected community capable of driving economic and social progress. Learning, teaching, and training (LTT) events will disseminate findings, critique project outcomes, and facilitate discussions on workforce preparedness in a post-pandemic labor market. A mobility program will bring together 36 learners and tutors for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration, enhancing cross-border knowledge exchange.

BalVET programming focuses on building partnerships, enhancing skills development, and fostering innovation to support sustainable economic growth in the Western Balkans. It incorporates collaborative efforts across sectors, aligning with EU frameworks and regional priorities. Cross-Sectoral Collaboration fosters synergies, ongoing dialogue and resource sharing. Participation in Skills Development and Capacity-Building initiatives sponsored by Erasmus+ will equip partners with market-relevant skills aligned with the changing labor landscape and strengthen educators and other stakeholders to deliver forward-looking, high-quality education.

Meaningful contributions to informed policymaking begins with mapping and environmental scans. Mobility plays a pivotal role in supporting capacity building by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, skills, and experiences across borders, serving as a catalyst for building robust, interconnected ecosystems capable of addressing global challenges while advancing local economic and social development.

BalVET creates opportunities to participate in programming sponsored by multi-lateral funders that aligns with regional priorities, addresses critical skills gaps, and fosters a collaborative environment to drive sustainable economic growth in the Western Balkans.

Upcoming opportunities - Funding & Tenders:

Open Badges are a powerful digital credentialing system that recognizes and validates skills, knowledge, and achievements gained through e-learning and experiential activities. In alignment with the "Building Blocks of Entrepreneurship in the Age of Change" coursework, BalVET's Open Badges offer learners a dynamic way to showcase their entrepreneurial competencies and adaptability in a rapidly evolving world. Each badge represents a verified milestone, providing evidence of specific abilities such as problem-solving, innovation, or sustainability-driven decision-making. By integrating Open Badges into this curriculum, participants not only gain valuable entrepreneurial insights but also build a portable, shareable portfolio of their skills, enhancing their employability and positioning them as leaders in driving change and innovation across industries.

Change can inspire entrepreneurship by presenting new problems to solve and unmet needs that demand creative solutions. When industries, technologies, or social norms shift, they create gaps and opportunities for innovative thinkers to step in and add value. Entrepreneurs are often motivated by these changes, seeing them not as obstacles but as openings to develop unique products, services, or processes. This adaptability allows entrepreneurs to leverage change, turning uncertainty into opportunities for growth, progress, and impactful contributions to society.

Aligned with the EU Framework for Entrepreneurship Education and Training, EntreComp equips learners with practical tools to navigate the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. In today’s rapidly changing landscape, the ability to innovate, adapt, and create value is more essential than ever. Whether an individual aspires to launch a startup, drive change within an organization, or develop solutions for social challenges, EntreComp provides a comprehensive structure to enhance entrepreneurial competencies.

Aimed at helping learners discover how to cultivate the creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking needed to identify opportunities, innovate solutions, and drive success in today’s dynamic business landscape. A mindset consists of the set of attitudes, skills and behaviors that individuals need to succeed, not only in entrepreneurship but also academically, personally and professionally. These include: initiative and self-direction, risk-taking, flexibility and adaptability, creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving. Other definitions include the ability to see opportunities, marshal resources and create value.

Designed to guide learners through the common misconceptions and challenges that aspiring entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and social innovators often face. As they embark on their entrepreneurial journey, understanding these myths and hurdles is crucial to navigating the path to success. Entrepreneur-ship is often glamorized, with narratives highlighting overnight successes and limitless opportunities. However, the reality is often much more complex. From the fear of failure to the misconceptions about funding and resources, these barriers can deter potential innovators from pursuing their ideas. This module aims to debunk these myths and equip learners with the knowledge to overcome the hurdles in your entrepreneurial journey. By the end of this module, they will be better prepared to face the challenges ahead, armed with a clear understanding of what it truly means to be an entrepreneur in today’s world.

The twin transition in Europe, which emphasizes both digital and green transformations, presents significant opportunities for entrepreneurship across diverse sectors. As Europe moves toward a more sustainable, tech-driven economy, entrepreneurs can drive innovation in areas such as renewable energy, green infrastructure, circular economy solutions, and digital services. With increasing support from European policies, funding, and incentives, startups have the chance to develop technologies that reduce environmental impact, improve energy efficiency, and facilitate digital advancements. This shift not only enables new business models but also encourages startups to address pressing social and environmental challenges, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for Europe. Several EU initiatives not only address environmental challenges but also provide valuable services, generate jobs, and contribute to a thriving Blue Economy aligned with Europe’s sustainability goals, providing ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to enter the continuing-evolving scenarios needing new products and services.

When an individual embarks on the journey of entrepreneurship, they undergo a profound transformation characterized by an active engagement with transformation theory, which emphasizes the shift from a conventional mindset to one that embraces risk, resilience, and proactive problem-solving. Through project-based learning, entrepreneurs immerse themselves in real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking and adaptability as they design and execute innovative solutions. This hands-on approach is enriched by peer-to-peer interaction, where collaboration and knowledge sharing cultivate a dynamic community that fuels inspiration and diverse perspectives. As a result, creativity flourishes, enabling entrepreneurs to generate novel ideas and approaches that address unmet needs in the market, ultimately leading to the development of unique products or services that contribute to societal progress and economic growth.

edu@globalskillsnetwork.com

Education-Work-Entrepreneurship
Chain Model for the Western Balkans

BalVET - Erasmus-EDU-2022-CB-VET Grant #101092499

Building Competences with
Maker Pedagogies and
EnrtreComp

paving the way for more systematic partnerships

The Collabortive Leadership Process -
Mechanism bringing together diverse actors
across the Multiple Helix to translate learning
into economic value for the region

From Fragmentation to Alignment -
Providing a structured yet flexible pathway
for aligning education, industry, and policy
around shared regional priorities in the
Western Balkans

DELIVERABLES

Community of Practice

Sustainable innovation

CREATING A VIBRANT NETWORK

Driving economic growth

Public Policy /
Capacity Building

E-learning Coursework

Provides the tools to build the knowledge and frameworks that unlock ideas and drive successful ventures in entrepreneurship and social innovation

Open Badges

CHANGE CAUSED BY DISRUPTION

ENTRECOMP

ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET

MYTHS & HURDLES

EUROPE'S TWIN TRANSITION

TRANSFORMATION

crisalus communications

Making and Nurturing Global Connections
Educational Sciences Department of Global Skills Network

Education-Work-Entrepreneurship Chain Model for the Western Balkans