Education-Work-Entrepreneurship
Chain model for the
western balkans



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





paving the way for more systematic partnerships





As a 24-month Erasmus+ project, BalVET aims to create a more effective and sustainable support system for entrepreneurship in the Western Balkans, addressing multiple facets of the ecosystem simultaneously and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation, specifically in Albania (*), Bosnia & Herzegovina (**), Kosovo (***), and Montenegro (****)




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.


Contact Balvet's
consortium administrator
erasmusbalvet@gmail.com

DELIVERABLES





Community of Practice



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.



Sustainable innovation



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.



CREATING A VIBRANT NETWORK



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.



Driving economic growth



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.



Public Policy /
Capacity Building



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:





* AMIF-2024-TF2-AG-INFO

* Networks of Towns CERV-2025-CITIZENS

* Erasmus+ Teacher Academies

* European Partnership on Innovative SMEs/Eurostars

* Capacity Building in the Field of Sport

* ERASMUS-EDU-2025-CB-VET-WB

* ERASMUS-EDU-2025-CBHE-STRAND-2

* Science EU

* Jean Monnet Actions in the field of Higher Education: Centers of Excellence



E-learning Coursework



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





Chapter 1: Change Caused by Disruption

Chapter 2: EntreComp - the EU Framework for Entrepreneurship Education

Chapter 3: The Entrepreneurial Mindset

Chapter 4: Myths & Hurdles

Chapter 5: The EU's Twin Transition

Chapter 6: Transformation



Open Badges



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 CAUSED BY DISRUPTION



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. ​




ENTRECOMP



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.




ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET



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.




MYTHS & HURDLES



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.




EUROPE'S TWIN TRANSITION



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.




TRANSFORMATION



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.



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