During the digital focus group which was implemented on 5th of December, over 20 seasoned professionals from diverse industries came together to share their expertise and provide actionable insights into pivotal domains such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity, among others. The discussions delved deeply into the evolving requirements of these cutting-edge fields, exploring the competencies, tools, and resources necessary for professionals to thrive. Furthermore, participants highlighted pressing challenges, including technological integration, skill gaps, regulatory concerns, and the pace of innovation, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and potential pathways for future advancement.

A few words about INVESTech

​INVESTech (Innovation Vocational Excellence and Sustainability in Tech) is a European initiative aimed at establishing a transnational cooperation platform for Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The project encompasses five European countries: Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Lithuania.

Key Objectives:

• Establish CoVEs: Set up Centres of Vocational Excellence in Košice (Slovakia), Attica (Greece), Sofia (Bulgaria), Nicosia (Cyprus), and Klaipeda (Lithuania). ​

• Promote Innovation in Vocational Education and Training (VET): Facilitate collaboration among education providers, the labor market, and other stakeholders to incorporate innovative technologies and practices in VET. ​

• Support Green Transition and Social Inclusion: Develop skills that contribute to environmental sustainability and promote social inclusion through vocational training.

• Enhance Skills Development: Offer targeted training programs and online courses for VET students and professionals, providing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling across different European Qualifications Framework (EQF) levels (4-7).

• Implement the Quintuple Innovation Helix (Q2IH) Framework: Promote partnerships among academia, industry, the public sector, civil society, and the natural environment to align CoVEs with regional smart specialization strategies focused on sustainable development and innovation. ​

By bridging the gap between the business sector and educational institutions, INVESTech seeks to ignite innovation, create dynamic skills ecosystems, and drive forward green transformation and social inclusion.

The project is coordinated by the Technical University of Košice and involves 18 partners from the participating countries.