The European Platform for Urban Greening recently organized a study visit to the Basque Country on November 28-29, 2024. The visit, hosted by Tknika, provided participants with insights into the Basque VET system, focusing on innovation, applied research, and collaboration with SMEs. In addition, new potential spin-off projects were discussed.
This study trip strengthened ties between current and new European partners, and opened doors for future collaborations in vocational education and training and lifelong learning.
Program Highlights
The program featured:
- Visits to Tknika’s state-of-the-art facilities.
- Interactive sessions on collaborative tools.
- Exploring opportunities for future Erasmus cooperation partnerships with Basque VET schools.
Key Outcomes
Key outcomes included:
- Gaining knowledge on how innovation is integrated into VET in the Basque Country, and the key role of Tknika in this ecosystem.
- Understanding the structural organization of applied research for SMEs.
- Exploring the use of AR/VR and immersive rooms in education, as well as 3D printing, Smart Home, AI , Cybersecurity, Industry 4.0, Robotics, and more.
- Teamwork on potential Erasmus KA2 projects, such as AR/VR applications in the green sector and challenge-based learning methodologies.
Spin-off Project Applications
The partners took 4 potential spin-off projects home, planning to submit the applications in February 2025. The project ideas include:
- Mobile Escape Room, to enhance the recruitment of new talents in green education and eventually the green sector.
- Smart Urban Tree (research, technology): Using drones for the maintenance of trees in urban areas.
- Immersive rooms of green buildings (educational development, curriculum, technology): Innovative ways to virtually look “behind the scenes” of e.g., green facades.
- Project heritage and recreation routes: To raise awareness of green heritage and its value through educational walking tours.
About Tknika
The hosting organisation Tknika, is the Institute for the Innovation of the Vocational and Educational Training System in the Basque Country (Spain). It was established by the Department of Education of the Basque Government in 2005 to promote innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in VET centres of the Basque Country (Spain).
Innovation and applied research are at the core of Tknika in its ongoing efforts to place Basque Vocational Training at the European forefront. Tknika is modelled after some of the world’s most advanced vocational training centres.
Through networking and direct involvement by the Basque Vocational Training teaching staff, the Centre develops innovative projects in the areas of technology, education and management.
Over the years, Tknika has become a reference of innovation for education and lifelong learning in Europe.
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