RCF Annual Regional Conference 2025: One Region, One Economy, One Future

The Regional Challenge Fund (RCF) successfully organized its Annual Regional Conference 2025 under the title “Smart Balkans: Shaping Skills for a Sustainable, Competitive Future – Navigating VET in a Digital & AI World.”

The event brought together key stakeholders from vocational education and training (VET), the private sector and international institutions from across the Western Balkans to explore how skills, business and innovation can drive regional growth in the era of digital transformation, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.

Stronger Together: Education for the Future

In her opening remarks, Marija Gošović, Director General at the Directorate for Gymnasium and Vocational Education, Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro, highlighted that VET remains a key priority for the government:

“Digital technology, artificial intelligence and the green transition are changing the world of work faster than ever. Our task as policymakers is to ensure that every young person has access to quality education that prepares them not only for the labour market but for life. The strength of our region lies in cooperation.”

Germany and Switzerland: Long-Term Partners for Sustainable Skills

In a video address, Heike Backofen-Warnecke, Head of Division for Southeast and Eastern Europe at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), praised RCF’s tangible results:

“RCF has mobilized €2.6 million in private capital and supported investments worth €44 million, proving that this innovative instrument meets real market demand and fosters alignment with EU standards in education.”

H.E. Peter Felten, German Ambassador to Montenegro, emphasized that RCF’s philosophy perfectly aligns with Germany’s priorities in the region:

“By linking education and business, RCF is opening pathways for young people to access labour markets equipped with the skills needed for the future. Investing in people is the most valuable investment we can make.”

Representing Switzerland, Katrin Ochsenbein, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Montenegro, underlined the importance of dual and cooperative training:

“Close collaboration between industry and education remains essential to provide market-relevant education and I am glad this principle is firmly embedded in the RCF logic.”

Building Smart Bridges: Skills, Business and AI

Keynote speaker Scott Harrison, researcher at TIB – Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology, spoke about the role of AI in the future of education and employment, stressing the importance of developing critical thinking and AI literacy across Europe.

Three thematic panels followed, focusing on:

• Strategic partnerships between education and business in the context of EU integration
• AI and automation readiness in the Western Balkans
• Sustainability as a core element of vocational education and training

Workshops and Net4VET Challenge Showcase

Two interactive workshops provided practical insights for participants:

• Project Management in the AI and Digital Age
• ESG Essentials: AI-Driven Certification and Governance for Western Balkans Businesses

A special segment of the programme was dedicated to “Update & Shine – Net4VET Challenge 2025”, where awarded consortia from previous RCF Calls showcased their success stories in digitalization, AI, green skills and innovative training models.

Special recognitions were awarded to the projects:

• Developing Software Developer Skills by Integrating Artificial Intelligence
• Laboratory Capacity Building for Industry 4.0
• Bridge to Career Success: Strengthening Practical Skills with State-of-the-Art Equipment

Technical Advisory Committee Meeting

As part of the conference agenda, the RCF Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) also convened in Budva to review ongoing implementation, assess regional impact and provide guidance for upcoming activities.

A Vision for a Smart, Sustainable Balkans

The 2025 Annual Regional Conference reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge exchange in advancing VET excellence across the Western Balkans.

The focus on digitalization, artificial intelligence and green skills continues to shape a competitive, inclusive and sustainable future for the region.

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