How can VET policies become more forward looking while maintaining a balance between quick wins and long-term options?

Speakers           

Marco Cantamessa, Head of I3P Incubator of Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Jasminka Čekić-Marković, Director, Center for Education Policy, Serbia

Jennifer Cassingena Harper, Consultant, Strategy, Policy and Internationalisation Unit, Council for Science and Technology, Malta

Moderator Francesca Rosso, ETF

Forward-looking policymaking helps deal with complex issues and challenges. The European Commission uses the term ‘foresight’ to describe forward-looking policymaking, that is action oriented, participatory, multi-disciplinary and agile to anticipate change. Foresight is not about predicting a pre-determined future, but taking well-governed action now to build the future.

Designing and implementing forward-looking policies does not exclude short-term solutions. How do you respond to long-term needs, including skills anticipation, while maintaining a balance with short-term solutions?

Successful forward-looking policymaking requires an integrated approach.

Experience from the ETF’s FRAME project demonstrates the importance of a shared vision for VET development. Participation in FRAME highlighted specific conditions to facilitate effective forward-looking policymaking: Political and institutional willingness; collaborative and innovative approaches; sound information or evidence base; and appropriate capacity among the relevant actors.

There are many good practice examples from partner countries, particularly within the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region, to be shared at the workshop.

Questions

How can policymakers contribute to comprehensive foresight exercises for VET and skills development policies?

To what extent do VET policies balance measures for short-term and long-term solutions?

How can policymakers ensure a culture of progress tracking and adaptable vision?