The contribution of research to innovation in vocational education and training (VET) : The role of VET institutes

Abstract

"The main goal of this article is to present results of international research conducted in the year 2020 by scientists from Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) among research institutions dealing with VET across Europe and internationally. This scientific undertaking was about increasing visibility of institutionalized research in the field of VET, identification of common challenges and drawing possibilities for coordinated international cooperation. BIBB researchers have conducted an survey with the participation of nearly thirty VET scientific institutions operating in twenty two countries. Those institutions employ nearly 7000 researcher from various disciplines, including: 42% from education, 16% sociology and 10% each in the fields of psychology and economy. Conducted analysis have resulted with indication of the main areas of interest such as: initial vocational education (IVET), work-based learning (WBL), continuing education and apprenticeships. Disscussions and research results confirm trends for strenghtening cooperation among institutions and aiming for development of the institutional network enabling coping with VET in active and more systemic approach." (Authors' abstract, BIBB-Doku)