Dimitar Hristov

This article is a continuation of our series of blog articles on excellence in vocational education and training. In it, we focus on the characteristics of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). At the held on 30.10.2024 workshop of experts in the field of vocational training, the question of what CoVE's model would be suitable for Bulgaria was considered and discussed. The issue became relevant in connection with the participation of the cluster and two more organizations from Bulgaria in the international InvesTech project. Excellence in learning is the goal of all education and training systems both within and outside the European Union (EU).

Following on from our August 28th post on "Creating CoVEs in the ICT sector and a platform for collaboration" and the next article named "International cooperation between the CoVEs is a must", next question we need to answer is the question what would be the main functions and activities that a Center of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) should perform. Before that, we need to answer another fundamental question, the answer to which makes sense of our activity in the implementation of InvestTech project itself, and this question is what is the difference between a Vocational Training Centre and a Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE)? 

Following on from the previous article dated November 3, which outlined the difference between a Vocational Training Centre and a Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE), this short article looks at the functions and activities of such centers as CoVE. Thus, the difference between these two types of centers is further emphasized.

We believe that the Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in the ICT industry can play a vital role in promoting professional training, research and innovation and thus be of immense help to this industry, which is the aim of the InvesTech project. To achieve this, the center must be designed in such a way that it can perform certain functions and activities seamlessly.

On the occasion of the upcoming General Assembly

Dear colleagues

Clusters are a priority of the EU and are considered one of the most important and well-funded initiatives of the European Commission, making a significant contribution to the creation of a common innovation ecosystem, competitive with those in China, the USA and other developed regions of the world.

The cluster organisation Sofia Knowledge City has been nominated with a bronze label by the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis (ESCA) for excellence in cluster management and striving for excellence. However, the validity period expired this year and we have yet to plan whether and when to renew it.