ECTE’s participation in High-Level Forum on Innovation and Cooperation in Brussels

Brussels Hosts High-Level Forum on Innovation and Cooperation in the EU Market

Brussels, November 26, 2024 – The European Parliament hosted the 2nd European Innovation Partners Networking Forum, a pivotal two-day event that brought together key stakeholders from academia, industry, and public institutions to discuss sustainable innovation, funding opportunities, and collaborative strategies for Europe’s economic and technological future.

The event, which took place on November 25-26, focused on fostering collaboration between companies, research institutes, and vocational training providers to drive economic growth and innovation. Among the many significant projects presented was SEBCoVE: Smart Electricity for Buildings, which underscored the vital role of cooperation in advancing smart energy solutions and sustainability in the built environment.

SEBCoVE: A Model for Collaboration in Smart Energy

One of the key highlights of the event was the presentation of the SEBCoVE project, which aims to bridge the gap between vocational education, research, and industry by developing new training programs tailored to the evolving needs of the smart building sector. The project showcases how collaboration between educational institutions and enterprises can contribute to workforce upskilling, innovation, and increased competitiveness in the European market.

The SEBCoVE project aligns with the European Union’s broader objectives of digital and green transformation, addressing the challenges of energy efficiency, smart electricity applications, and workforce development in a rapidly evolving sector. By fostering partnerships between companies and vocational training providers, SEBCoVE is setting a benchmark for how education and industry can work hand in hand to meet the demands of an increasingly smart and interconnected world.

Forum Highlights: Innovation, Policy, and Human Capital Development

The forum served as a platform for high-level discussions on EU funding mechanisms, research collaborations, and the transition toward a circular and digital economy. The Dinner Debate at the European Parliament, titled “Circular, Digital, and Green Transition in the EU,” provided a space for policymakers, researchers, and business leaders to exchange views on the future of sustainable innovation.

Moreover, the Lunch Debate on the second day, focusing on “The Role of EU Funding in Enhancing Human Capital Development,” emphasized the importance of investing in skills and training for the future workforce. The session featured insights from industry experts and EU officials on how strategic investments in education and vocational training can boost economic growth and social cohesion across Europe.

The Future of EU Innovation Partnerships

As Europe continues to navigate challenges related to sustainability, resource scarcity, and digital transformation, initiatives such as SEBCoVE demonstrate the value of cross-sector collaboration in addressing these pressing issues. The discussions and networking opportunities at the forum reinforced the EU’s commitment to fostering an ecosystem of innovation that benefits all stakeholders—entrepreneurs, educational institutions, policymakers, and businesses.

With over 50 in-person attendees in Brussels and 200 participants joining online, the event successfully facilitated knowledge exchange and consortium-building for future EU-funded projects. The forum concluded with a Rooftop Reception and Awards Ceremony, celebrating outstanding contributions to research, innovation, and sustainable development.

As the EU looks ahead to 2025-2026 funding opportunities under programs like Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, the outcomes of this forum will play a crucial role in shaping the next wave of research and innovation initiatives. The success of SEBCoVE and similar projects signals a promising future for sustainable energy solutions and workforce development in the European market.

Tackling Competency and Skills Challenges in Smart Electricity for Buildings

The SEBCoVE project, funded under the Erasmus+ framework, is proud to present its latest deliverable, the comprehensive “D2.3 Competences and Skills Gap” report. This document identifies critical gaps in competencies and skills in the Smart Electricity for Buildings (SEB) sector across six regions in Europe: Crete (Greece), Brandenburg-Berlin (Germany), Lombardy (Italy), Basque Country (Spain), Porto (Portugal), and North Macedonia.

As the SEB sector undergoes a rapid transformation driven by digitalization, renewable energy adoption, and sustainability objectives, ensuring the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills has become paramount. The report highlights the sector’s key technological drivers, from IoT and AI to energy storage systems and cybersecurity, while identifying mismatches between existing Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs and emerging market needs.

Key Findings:
  • Competency Gaps: The report outlines critical deficiencies in AI integration, cybersecurity, and hybrid renewable energy systems training across VET curricula.
  • Regional Insights: Each region showcases unique strengths and challenges, such as Crete’s renewable energy focus and Brandenburg-Berlin’s advanced BAS adoption.
  • Actionable Recommendations: From modernizing curricula to enhancing industry collaboration, the report provides a roadmap to align workforce capabilities with sectoral demands.
Through this work, SEBCoVE aims to standardize competencies across regions using frameworks like EQF, ECVET, and ESCO, fostering mobility, innovation, and excellence in the SEB sector.

Learn more about the report and our upcoming initiatives on the SEBCoVE website! 

SEBCoVE Project Launched in Dojran: Paving the Way for Vocational Excellence in Smart Electricity for Buildings.

The picturesque town of Dojran, North Macedonia, recently hosted the inaugural event of the Smart Electricity for Buildings – Centres of Vocational Excellence (SEBCoVE) project. This ambitious Erasmus+ initiative aims to foster regional hubs for vocational education and training (VET) excellence, specifically in the burgeoning field of Smart Electricity for Buildings (SEBs). Representatives from government, academia, and industry gathered to mark the official commencement of this transformative project, which is set to address the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling in the SEBs sector.

A Vision for Green and Digital Transformation
Hosted from August 26–29, 2024, the event in Dojran served as a platform for key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues at the intersection of digitalization, green technologies, and vocational education. The SEBCoVE project aims to build agile, future-proof VET systems to prepare electricians for a rapidly changing labor market driven by automation, smart technologies, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By supporting regional specializations and aligning educational programs with market needs, SEBCoVE strives to develop a workforce capable of leading Europe’s green and digital transformation.

High-Profile Attendees and Discussions

The event kicked off with speeches from prominent figures such as Stefan Andonovski, North Macedonia’s Minister of Digital Transformation, and Goran Mincev, Minister of Public Administration. EU officials and ambassadors from Greece, Hungary, and Italy were also present, reinforcing the international importance of the project. These leaders underscored the need for continuous collaboration between policy-makers, the private sector, and academic institutions to achieve Europe’s sustainability goals.
Panels throughout the event covered a wide range of topics, from the role of smart cities in the green transition to opportunities in vocational training. Experts such as Dean Emmanuel Karapidakis from the Hellenic Meddirterennaen University, SEBCoVE’s Project Coordinator, Konstantinos Androulakis from the Europan Center in Training for Employment, and Marc Alessi from the Tesla Science Center, USA, provided valuable insights into the future of digital and green technologies in vocational education.

SEBCoVE GreenTransition DigitalSkills VocationalExcellence ErasmusPlus SmartBuildings DojranEvent SmartElectricity VETRevolution

 

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The Current State of Advanced Electrical Sector Skills and HVET/VET in Europe and the World

The project SEBCoVE, which is part of the Erasmus+ initiative, is designed to create regional centers of vocational excellence (CoVEs) in smart electricity for structures. This comprehensive report examines the present state-of-the-art in high vocational education and training (HVET/VET) and advanced electrical sector skills in Europe and the world. It emphasizes critical components, including energy management, building automation, occupant comfort, data analytics, security, privacy, and integration with smart infrastructure.

The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the current state-of-the-art in the advanced electrical sector. It identifies deficiencies in the skills/trades sector and recommends future improvements. It establishes the groundwork for future development of smart electrification systems in buildings by emphasizing sustainability, efficiency, and occupant-centric approaches.

This comprehensive analysis is a valuable resource for stakeholders in the electrical sector, as it offers a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and prospective directions for HVET/VET in Europe and beyond.

Context

The electrical sector is in dire need of competent professionals due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient and intelligent buildings. The SEBCoVE project aims to address this need by establishing international knowledge centers for VET systems and establishing resilient and future-proof VET systems that support regional specialization.

Key Findings

Energy Efficiency and Management

The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) such as energy storage systems (ESS) and photovoltaic panels is a priority in energy management strategies for smart structures. The objective of these strategies is to reduce carbon emissions and optimize energy consumption.

The promotion of energy efficiency in buildings is significantly influenced by regional policies and regulations. For instance, the German government is committed to reducing energy consumption by as much as 80% by 2050, underscoring the necessity of effective regulatory frameworks.

Building Automation and Control Systems

The operation of HVAC, lighting, and other building functions is contingent upon automation technologies. Building management systems, sophisticated sensors, and advanced control algorithms are essential for achieving optimal energy savings and operation.

Smart meters and other grid-connected devices are among the innovative approaches to building automation that are employed to establish a responsive and efficient energy environment.

Comfort and Well-Being of the Occupant

The well-being of occupants is contingent upon the enhancement of interior air quality, thermal comfort, and lighting design. Comfort is improved through the utilization of occupant-centric technologies, including personalized control interfaces and smart sensors.
Region-specific strategies are necessary due to the influence of cultural and climatic factors on occupant comfort.

Data Analytics and Expertise

The successful implementation of smart building systems is contingent upon the availability of data and the presence of data analytics expertise. In order to address current shortages and future demands, it is imperative that VET/HE programs continue to evolve.

Privacy and Security

As smart building technologies become more prevalent, it is imperative to address cybersecurity challenges and ensure data privacy. The report investigates the regulations and measures necessary to protect personal information during the implementation of these technologies.

Implications and Suggestions

The significance of consistently updating educational programs to remain current with the swiftly changing landscape of technology and legislation is underscored in the report. It suggests that a foundational framework be established to facilitate the effective collaboration of specific vocations in the construction of automation systems. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary collaboration, continuous updates to educational programs, and a robust regulatory framework to effectively navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of smart building technologies.

Analysis of Regional Scenarios

The regional structure of smart electricity in buildings in each partner country is emphasized, allowing for a comprehensive examination of their unique circumstances and needs. The initiative is able to establish vocational excellence hubs that facilitate regional specialization as a result of this regional focus.

Kick-Off Meeting for SEBCoVE Project Launched in Heraklion, Greece

The SEBCoVE project was initiated with a Kick-Off Meeting held in Heraklion, Greece.

The Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), together with the European Center in Training for Employment (ECTE), organized the first meeting of the Smart Electricity for Buildings—Centers of Vocational Excellence (SEBCoVE) project. This two-day event inaugurated an ambitious effort to improve vocational education and training (VET) throughout Europe and create be world-class reference points for up- and reskilling of professionals engaged in the Smart Electricity for Buildings (SEBs) sector.

The SEBCoVE project (101144027), aims to create a network of vocational excellence centers focusing on the smart electricity industry. The kick-off meeting convened delegates from 21 partner organizations to deliberate on project management, strategic research, design, development, execution, quality assurance, and dissemination plans.

Day 1: Establishing the Basis

The opening day commenced with a warm reception by Professor E. Karapidakis at 9:00 AM, followed by a series of introductions among all collaborators. This session established a conducive environment for collaboration throughout the meeting.

Highlighted Sessions and Presentations:
Summary of the Project: Delivered by K. Androulakis from ECTE, this presentation offered a comprehensive perspective on the project’s aims and objectives.
Work Package 1 (WP1): The presentation, led by E. Karapidakis and M. Markaki from HMU, focused on project management and coordination. It addressed important areas such as administrative and financial management, risk management, and quality assurance.
Work Package 2, also referred to as WP2: Bruno Canizes from IPP presented strategic study findings, which included stakeholder mapping, state-of-the-art skill requirements in the electrical sector, and identified competency gaps.
Subsequent to it, a sequence of thorough conversations ensued, with a specific emphasis on:

The SEBCoVE Design (WP3) presented by K. Androulakis from ECTE, focused on many topics, such as the development of knowledge triangles, the participation of stakeholders, the implementation of novel teaching approaches, and the formulation of internationalization strategies.
During the SEBCoVE Development (WP4) meeting, the discussion focused on the involvement of HMU in creating professional profiles and designing curricula. Matheus Kakaris from Atermon presented on the development of digital tools and the use of new teaching methods.
The implementation of this component, coordinated by Mrs. Luisa Previati from ENAIP, focused on the practical aspects of training, certification, and the creation of skills ecosystems.
The day ended with a workshop on quality assurance (WP6) Mrs. Vardalachou from TUV Austria Hellas. The discussion focused on VET quality certification and the establishment of quality management procedures.

Day 2: Progressing

The second day of the event was dedicated to the topics of monitoring, follow-up, and distribution plans.

Notable features:
Work Package 7 (WP7): Mr. Jesus Rosel from MLAKoop, facilitated the discussion on evaluation strategies, activity monitoring, internal audits, curriculum evaluation, and effect assessment.
During Work Package 8 (WP8), Ana María García Gascó from CONAIF discussed the tactics for disseminating, exploiting, and communicating the project. This included the creation of the project’s website and branding toolkit.
A substantial chunk of the day was allocated to strategizing upcoming events, meetings, and mobility initiatives. The discussions focused on determining the subsequent actions and ensuring ongoing communication and collaboration between parties.

The meeting concluded with a concise overview of the deliberations and consensus reached regarding the subsequent actions to be taken. Each participant demonstrated their dedication to the project’s goals and voiced anticipation for further meetings and joint endeavors.

The kick-off conference in Heraklion for the SEBCoVE project established a strong basis for a groundbreaking initiative focused on promoting vocational education and training in the smart electricity industry. This initiative is expected to make substantial contributions to the field and improve skills development throughout Europe.

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