Partners

Carinthia University of Applied Sciences is a practice-oriented and internationally focused higher education institution with campuses in Villach, Klagenfurt, Spittal an der Drau and Feldkirchen. It offers study programmes in engineering and IT, business and management, health sciences and social work, as well as civil engineering and architecture. Through close cooperation with industry, public institutions and academia, CUAS combines applied education, research, innovation and knowledge transfer.

As coordinator of VET5.0, CUAS leads the overall project. Additionally, it establishes and leads the Austrian Centre of Vocational Excellence. Therefore, it coordinates the consortium, chairs the Management Board and drives the development of the Industry 4.0/5.0 vocational skills ecosystem. Its responsibilities include creating accessible entry pathways, developing an alumni-management concept, promoting diversity-inclusive education, establishing the transnational collaboration platform and governance model for the national CoVEs, and implementing the project's knowledge-management system. CUAS also manages the transnational Department for Vulnerable Groups and Inclusion and contributes across the project.

The University of Zagreb Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture is a Croatian higher education and research institution specialising in mechanical engineering, naval architecture, aeronautical engineering, mechatronics and robotics. It combines academic education, scientific research and professional cooperation with industry, including activities in additive manufacturing, product development, prototyping and advanced engineering technologies.

In VET5.0, UNIZAG FSB hosts and manages the Croatian Centre of Vocational Excellence and leads the development of new learning services and training. It will coordinate training for key competences, support educator mobility and strengthen cooperation with related projects and initiatives. UNIZAG FSB will also share Industry 5.0 knowledge with learners, educators and regional stakeholders in Zagreb County, including applications in product development, prototyping, personalised production and toolmaking. The faculty will manage the transnational Department of Research and Innovation and contribute across the project.

Politehnica University Timișoara is a Romanian technical university with a long tradition in engineering education, research and innovation. Its academic and research activities cover engineering, information technology, architecture and related fields. The university works with companies, public institutions and international partners to connect technical knowledge with practical applications and regional development.

In VET5.0, UPT hosts and manages the Romanian Centre of Vocational Excellence and leads work on innovative teaching methods and formats. It will support learner outreach and recruitment, develop a learner-support concept, contribute to job-related training in digital manufacturing and contributes to the evaluation and implementation of adaptive-learning tools. UPT will also prepare guidance for teaching with emerging digital tools, immersive learning and gamification. The university will manage the transnational Department for Education 5.0 and Lifelong Learning and contribute across the project.

The University of Novi Sad is one of Serbia's leading public universities and a major centre for higher education, research, and innovation. It offers a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, while its Faculty of Technical Sciences is recognized for its strong expertise in engineering, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and applied research. The University combines high-quality education with cutting-edge scientific research, fostering international collaboration and maintaining strong partnerships with industry, public institutions, and society.

In VET5.0, the University of Novi Sad hosts and manages the Serbian Centre of Vocational Excellence. Its responsibilities include supporting learner mobility, developing job-related training in green manufacturing and contributing to a train-the-trainer programme on new pedagogical approaches and diversity-inclusive education. UNS will also develop distance-learning concepts that include laboratory experiments and simultaneous language translation. The university will help connect technical education, digital tools and Industry 5.0 skills.

The Technical University of Košice (TUKE) is a distinguished public technical university and a key driver of technological and regional development in Slovakia. Its standing is underscored by a strong record of research excellence and international collaboration, exemplified by the recent launch of Slovakia's first supercomputer, PERUN, which has placed the nation among European states with high-performance computing infrastructure. TUKE is also an active member of the Ulysseus European University alliance, reinforcing its commitment to digital innovation and European research integration.

Within the VET5.0 project, TUKE serves as the host and manager of the Slovak Centre of Vocational Excellence, playing a central role in leading stakeholder engagement at both the national and transnational levels. Leveraging its robust links with industry and research institutions, TUKE will build essential connections with companies, SMEs, public authorities, and vocational education organisations, ensuring the project remains responsive to regional skills needs and fosters a sustainable local ecosystem. Furthermore, the university will manage the transnational Department for Stakeholder Engagement and contribute strategically across all project activities.

The Faculty of Polymer Technology is a Faculty of University of Primorska. UP FTPO is a higher education and research institution located in Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia. It specialises in polymer materials and technologies, combining chemistry and materials science with design, simulation, processing, characterisation and industrial applications. Its teaching and applied research are developed in close cooperation with industry and include polymer processing, recycling and materials for additive manufacturing.

In VET5.0, UP FTPO hosts and manages the Slovenian Centre of Vocational Excellence and leads engagement with learners. It will conduct learner and educator surveys and contribute to a train-the-trainer programme focused on new educational tools. FTPO will also manage the transnational Department for Learner Management, helping the partnership understand learner needs and adapt its services accordingly. The faculty will contribute across the project.

The University of Zenica is a public higher education and research institution in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Located in an important industrial region, it offers education and conducts research across engineering, natural sciences, economics, law, medicine, humanities and education. The university combines teaching, international cooperation and knowledge transfer with support for the region's social, technological and economic development.

In VET5.0, UNZE acts as an expert partner for transferability. It will support the adaptation and dissemination of project approaches, results and good practices and examine how they can be transferred to the Zenica-Doboj Canton and the wider context of Bosnia and Herzegovina. UNZE will contribute to the onboarding of new regions and help develop a transfer model that may support future replication in other regions.

BFI Kärnten is an Austrian vocational and adult education provider offering a broad range of training, qualifications and labour-market-oriented learning opportunities. It serves different target groups including young people, apprentices, employees, jobseekers and adults, and works closely with companies, public institutions and labour-market organisations. BFI Kärnten combines practical skills development with employability, continuing education and professional progression.

In VET5.0, BFI will focus particularly on innovative learning and teaching approaches for apprentices using new methods and formats. It will contribute its extensive practical experience in vocational education, trainer development and learner-centred learning formats, as well as its experience with specialised training environments and laboratories.

As a beneficiary partner, BFI Kärnten will also actively contribute to project cooperation, knowledge exchange and governance.

Srednja strukovna škola Velika Gorica is a vocational secondary school in Croatia serving young people and adult learners. It provides practice-oriented education linked to technical occupations and regional labour-market needs. The school works with employers and public institutions to strengthen vocational skills, modernise teaching and support the transition from education to employment.

In VET5.0, VHS VG will contribute to the development and modernisation of education programmes. Its activities include supporting promotional actions, analysing labour-market needs, contributing adult-education expertise, using specialist equipment and organising training for teachers and other professionals. The school will help ensure that project services are relevant to vocational learners and local employers.

The Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research and Development of Serbia is a national research institution dedicated to AI research, innovation and practical applications. It brings together researchers working in fields such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, human-computer interaction, green AI, healthcare and smart industry. The institute cooperates with universities, public institutions and companies.

In VET5.0, IVI will contribute expertise in AI-enhanced vocational education and training. Its work will include supporting smart learning environments, digital tools for personalised learning and intelligent systems for skills assessment and job matching. IVI will also contribute to innovative training methods and knowledge frameworks that connect emerging technologies with Industry 5.0 principles.

MOCIS is a public Adult Education Centre in Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia. It provides accessible lifelong learning opportunities for learners of all generations through formal education, vocational qualifications, digital and language courses, intergenerational activities and programmes for young adults and other groups. Its work places strong emphasis on inclusion, participation and lifelong learning.

In VET5.0, MOCIS will contribute to the development of a modern and inclusive vocational education and training platform, with particular attention to vulnerable groups. It will bring extensive experience in adult learning, digital inclusion and community-based education, helping the partnership design services that are accessible to learners diverse backgrounds, needs, and life circumstances.

Šolski center Ravne na Koroškem is a Slovenian education centre bringing together secondary, higher vocational and adult education, as well as practical intercompany training. As a part od SC RAVNE, Secondary School Ravne offers technical and vocational programmes in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mechatronics, toolmaking, automation and robotics, and automotive service, while maintaining strong partnerships with regional companies to ensure high-quality work-based learning and skills development.

In VET5.0, Secondary School Ravne na Koroskem will help design and deliver educational modules, support knowledge transfer and contribute to the upskilling of students and professionals. Its practice-oriented experience will help align project training with the changing requirements of Industry 5.0 and with the needs of companies and learners in the regional skills ecosystem.

3D GRUPA is a Croatian cluster promoting the adoption of 3D technologies in industry. Through its industry network, demonstration activities and professional training, it supports companies in areas such as 3D printing, scanning, automation, design and product development. The cluster connects technology providers, companies and knowledge organisations to encourage practical innovation.

In VET5.0, 3D GRUPA will use its cluster and technology experience to build a network of industry partners and support work-based education programmes. It will help connect training with real industrial processes and skills needs, particularly in additive manufacturing, design and related digital production technologies.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia is an independent, voluntary and non-profit business organisation. It represents companies from different sectors and regions and supports them through advocacy, professional services, networking, international cooperation and information on economic, industrial and labour-market developments.

In VET5.0, GZS acts as a networking and industry-representation partner. It will collect and communicate information about the skills and training needs of Slovenian companies, particularly SMEs, and help connect the Slovenian Centre of Vocational Excellence with employers and sectoral stakeholders. Its contribution will support training that reflects current and future industrial demand.

Philips is a global health technology company developing products, systems and services intended to improve health and well-being. Philips Austria contributes industrial and technical experience, including expertise related to automation and cooperation with research, education and innovation partners.

In VET5.0, Philips Austria will act as a technology and industry partner, contributing expertise in automation and Industry 4.0/5.0. It will support cooperation with SMEs and help connect training with practical developments in logistics, maintenance and manufacturing. The project will explore how robotics, additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence can be combined in these areas and translated into relevant skills and learning opportunities.

The Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education is a Croatian public body responsible for supporting the development, implementation, monitoring and improvement of vocational education adult education. It works with schools, teachers, public authorities and other stakeholders on curricula, quality, professional development of teachers and lifelong learning.

In VET5.0, AVETAE will help align education and training with the educational landscape in Croatia. It will contribute to engagement with key stakeholders, vocational education organisations and public authorities, ensuring that project services reflect the national education system, labour-market priorities and policy context. As a beneficiary partner, AVETAE will also participate in the project's Management Board.

BABEG is a regional organisation supporting business location, research, technology and innovation in Carinthia. It works with companies, investors, research organisations and public institutions, providing strategic support, networking and access to regional innovation opportunities and infrastructure.

In VET5.0, BABEG will connect the Austrian Centre of Vocational Excellence with new and established companies in Carinthia. It will support the development of the Austrian skills ecosystem, strengthen cooperation between industry, education and public authorities, and contribute to the internationalisation of regional activities. BABEG will also support stakeholder engagement related to innovation and future skills and participate in the project's Management Board.

The European Vocational Training Association is a Brussels-based European network representing vocational education and training providers and organisations active in skills, employment and lifelong learning. Established in Belgium in 1998, EVTA supports European cooperation, policy dialogue and the exchange of good practices across the VET sector.

In VET5.0, EVTA supports the project's internationalisation and European outreach. It connects the partnership with EU institutions, VET networks, policymakers and Centres of Vocational Excellence. EVTA will also develop leadership training for the six VET5.0 CoVEs, helping them build international partnerships, use relevant European tools and increase the visibility and long-term impact of their activities.

3s Research & Consulting (3s Unternehmensberatung GmbH) is a Vienna-based organisation working at the interface of education, training, employment and labourmarket research. It supports public authorities, higher education institutions and international organisations through research, evaluation, policy advice and practical tools related to qualifications, skills, vocational and higher education as well as adult education and lifelong learning.

In VET5.0, 3S will lead quality management and support the partnership's continued progress towards vocational excellence. It will contribute expertise in quality assurance, learning outcomes, qualifications, micro-credentials, and vocational excellence. Its work will help ensure that project services are systematically reviewed, improved and aligned with recognised European VET quality approaches.

ASM Research Solutions Strategy is a Polish research and consulting organisation specialising in market and social research, strategic analysis and communication for innovation projects. It combines quantitative and qualitative research with stakeholder engagement, digital communication, branding and support for the uptake and exploitation of project results.

In VET5.0, ASM leads dissemination, communication, sustainability and exploitation activities. It will prepare the project's communication strategy and materials, coordinate media relations, events, publications, social media and networking, and support partners in presenting project activities and results consistently. ASM will also develop the exploitation and sustainability plan, coordinate intellectual-property guidance and lead workshops supporting the long-term use, replication and visibility of project outcomes.

Colegiul Mihai Viteazul is an education and vocational training institution located in Ineu, Arad County, Romania. It serves Ineu and surrounding communities, including learners from rural and less urbanised areas. The college provides general, technical and vocational education, including learning pathways related to electrical engineering, mechanical systems, automation, electronics, information technology and digital skills. It also cooperates with local employers to support practical education and learners' transition into employment or further studies.

In VET5.0, CMV will act as a foundational vocational education partner, delivering the first stage of Education 5.0 training at EQF level 4. It will help learners develop essential digital, technical and transversal skills before progressing to more advanced modules offered by higher education partners. CMV will also serve as a regional access point for inclusive education, engage learners from underserved communities and contribute to testing and evaluating new learner-centred teaching tools.

Alfa Test is a Romanian technology company established in 2002 and specialising in industrial testing, inspection and automation. It provides solutions for electronic manufacturing, including automated optical inspection, X-ray inspection, flying-probe testing, in-circuit testing, functional testing and flash programming. The company also delivers automation solutions using autonomous mobile robots and collaborative robots and operates a certified training centre for Universal Robots.

In VET5.0, ALFATEST will act as an industry co-designer and validation partner for job-related training, particularly in digital manufacturing. It will contribute practical use cases, technical expertise and access to industrial automation and robotics platforms. ALFATEST will also help develop and validate training modules that reflect real workplace requirements and support the integration of robotics and automation into adaptive learning tools and interactive learning environments.

BIOELEMENTS is a Serbian SME established in 2014 as a centre for steel-structure development, engineering design and the transfer of technical documentation. Its activities include the development and testing of 3D models, on-site model scanning, technical documentation, laser cutting, CNC metal processing and the production of customised steel products. The company also develops agricultural machinery and modular solutions for residential and commercial spaces.

In VET5.0, BIOELEMENTS will contribute industrial expertise in advanced design, prototyping, product development and sustainable manufacturing. It will help connect vocational education with real industrial processes and emerging skills needs related to digitalisation, circular economy principles and industrial transformation. The company will also support cooperation between industry, education providers and policymakers, contributing to a sustainable and practice-oriented VET ecosystem.

HTL Wolfsberg is a higher technical and vocational school located in Carinthia, Austria. It provides technical education for young people and continuing education for working adults. Its main study areas include automation technology, mechatronics, business informatics, industrial engineering and management. The school combines classroom teaching with practical learning in laboratories and workshops and maintains close links with regional companies and education institutions.

In VET5.0, the formal beneficiary is the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, while project activities are carried out by HTL Wolfsberg. The school will contribute its experience in technical and vocational education, support curriculum development and help create distance-learning opportunities related to Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0. It will also contribute to new teaching methods, train-the-trainer activities and practice-oriented learning for students and adult learners.

H1C is a Slovak family-owned company established in 1999. It provides business, organisational and economic consulting, as well as data-processing services. The company is also active in extracurricular education in areas such as corporate financial management, manufacturing-process optimisation and practical methods for assessing corporate sustainability. It is gradually expanding its activities into research, technical testing, measurement and analysis.

In VET5.0, H1C will act as an industry and networking partner. It will support the development of industrial networks and contribute to teaching and training activities, particularly those based on work-based learning methodologies. Through its knowledge of business processes, manufacturing optimisation and sustainability, H1C will help connect vocational education with the current and future skills needs of companies and SMEs.

The Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training is the central national institution supporting VET development in Slovenia. Its work includes vocational standards and qualifications, education programmes, quality development, research, guidance, publications and coordination between education, employers and social partners.

As an associated partner in VET5.0, CPI will support the project through expert reviews, participation in surveys and dissemination of results through its professional channels. It will contribute a national-system perspective on vocational education and help the partnership align its work with quality, qualification and lifelong-learning developments in Slovenia. CPI will participate in the VET5.0 Advisory Board.

The Carinthian Economic Promotion Fund is the economic development fund of the Austrian state of Carinthia. It supports companies and institutions through funding, advice and cooperation designed to strengthen innovation, competitiveness, sustainable growth and regional development.

As an associated partner in VET5.0, KWF will act as a strategic discussion partner and participate in the Advisory Board. It will help define follow-up activities and contribute to the project's exploitation strategy and sustainability plan, supporting the continuation and regional uptake of relevant results after the funded project period.

The Town of Ineu is a local public authority in Arad County, Romania. The town supports a network of kindergartens, schools and high schools and is investing in the modernisation of educational and public infrastructure. Its development priorities include education, social inclusion, support for local businesses and improving access to public services.

As an associated partner in VET5.0, INEU will help identify regional labour-market needs and align vocational programmes with local economic priorities. It will support inclusive education policies for disadvantaged and underrepresented groups and help connect the local training centre with small businesses, start-ups and employers. The town will also contribute to the sustainability and public visibility of the Romanian Centre of Vocational Excellence by linking it with regional development strategies and policy frameworks. INEU will participate in the VET5.0 Advisory Board.

The Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment is a Serbian government body responsible for supporting the digitalisation of public administration and national public-sector IT infrastructure. It develops and coordinates digital services, platforms and systems and contributes to standards for information and communication technologies, digital security, electronic payments and access to eGovernment services.

As an associated partner in VET5.0, OITEG will help ensure that project activities are aligned with Serbia's digitalisation strategies. It will contribute a public-policy and digital-government perspective and support strategic links between vocational education, digital skills and national technology priorities. OITEG will participate in the VET5.0 Advisory Board.

The Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a public institution established by Slovak legislation in 1992. It represents and protects the interests of Slovak businesses in the country and abroad and supports economic development, international trade, business cooperation and dialogue between companies and public authorities.

The Chamber plays a pivotal role in the governance and implementation of dual vocational education and training in Slovakia, particularly focusing on technical fields to align graduate skills with labour market demands. Its influence is evident in various national projects, such as contributing to labour market needs analyses for VET strategies and participating in European Union-funded initiatives like the EAGLE project, which aims to drive the digital transformation of businesses through upskilling.

As an associated partner in VET5.0, SCCI will help align vocational education and training with the needs of Slovak companies and industry. Its main contributions will include policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement and support for partnerships between education providers and employers. Through its business network, SCCI will help strengthen the relevance of project training and promote cooperation between the Slovak Centre of Vocational Excellence, companies and policymakers. SCCI will participate in the VET5.0 Advisory Board.