The European
DIG.INT project
(Digital Internationalization Trainers) aims to support the
internationalization of Vocational Education and Training (VET) by leveraging
digital transformation opportunities. The project addresses the challenge of
limited exposure to innovation and internationalization for VET professionals,
which hinders their ability to match the evolving demands of enterprises and
provide genuine international learning experiences for students. By equipping
VET personnel with the necessary skills—ranging from knowledge of EU mobility
tools to integrating digital technologies in virtual student exchanges and
work-based learning—DIG.INT seeks to enhance the attractiveness and
international capacity of VET systems.
A delegation from Emilia-Romagna recently
participated in a study visit to the Netherlands to explore innovative
strategies and services aimed at attracting and enhancing talent.
This visit underscores the importance of
international cooperation in addressing common challenges, such as the need for
more digitally equipped and globally minded VET systems. As a result, the
initiative not only contributes to regional development in Emilia-Romagna but
also exemplifies how can drive innovation and collaboration across borders.
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From November 25 to 28, an institutional
study visit took place in Eindhoven and Utrecht, involving a delegation from
Emilia-Romagna. The visit aimed to deepen understanding of best practices in
talent attraction and development implemented in the Netherlands. Supported by
ART-ER, the delegation included representatives from municipalities,
universities, academies, and music conservatories currently engaged in
initiatives funded by the Regional Administration to develop or enhance
services for talent attraction and retention (and for their families) in
Emilia-Romagna.
In the local context, the delegation met
with representatives from Brainport and the Holland
Expat Center South in Eindhoven, as
well as the Utrecht
International Center in Utrecht. These
meetings showcased how the Netherlands supports talent and their families by
facilitating bureaucratic procedures and providing information about public
initiatives and events that promote social and cultural integration. Through a
“one-stop shop” model, these organizations offer integrated assistance with
bureaucratic matters such as residence permits, visa issuance, municipal
registration, health insurance enrollment, and digital ID cards. They also
support participation in events and networking opportunities to ease newcomers’
integration into the local community.
The academic institutions visited included Fontys
University of Applied Sciences, HKU University of the Arts, and HKU Utrechts Conservatory. These universities highlighted their approaches to fostering
synergies between academia and the local community through predominantly
practical educational programs. This allows students to work closely with
businesses and local organizations. They also promote multidisciplinary
collaboration between students in scientific and humanities fields, aiming to
create synergies and stimulate creativity.
Finally, the delegation met with Utrecht University, which presented strategies and models designed to drive regional
innovation through targeted partnerships at regional, national, and
international levels. These efforts aim to create research communities of
excellence that transcend traditional academic boundaries and connect regional
and international networks of research institutions, governmental and
non-governmental organizations, and businesses. Through the development of
interdisciplinary hubs, Utrecht University fosters long-term collaborations with
public and private stakeholders, delivering tangible social and economic
benefits while promoting the retention of students, researchers, and future
professionals in the region.
In conclusion, presentations and discussions with Dutch colleagues painted a clear picture: the strategies implemented by various stakeholders focus on the well-being of talent and their families through a wide range of services and close collaboration among academic institutions, businesses, and local administrations. One key takeaway from the visit was the indispensable role of collaboration between institutions, academia, and businesses in understanding regional needs and implementing targeted, flexible actions for talent attraction and retention.