Insight – Independence – Initiative: Transversal Entrepreneurship Skills Training Project

"<< Background >>The project constituted a logical extension of the previous project KA210-YOU-8205E7F4, implemented by the EFORT Foundation and ETN network partner. During the implementation of the preceding project, partners identified a significant gap in entrepreneurship education - the lack of systematic approach to developing transversal entrepreneurial skills within the VET system. Analysis of national educational ecosystems revealed that Polish and Bulgarian competency frameworks concentrate primarily on business-technical content, while transversal skills categories remain practically unaddressed. The European Skills Agenda indicates growing labor market demand for transversal skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. The project responded to the need for operationalizing European competency frameworks EntreComp through developing a universal methodological model that would enable systematic development of transversal entrepreneurial competencies across different VET education levels, thereby filling the identified gap between educational theory and practice. The initiative addressed the critical need for comprehensive tools that could bridge the disconnect between European policy imperatives and pract<< Objectives >>The primary strategic objective was to improve the development, validation, and recognition of transversal entrepreneurial skills within the VET system through operationalizing European competency frameworks. Achieving this objective encompassed five complementary specific goals. First, conducting a systematic review of European competency frameworks regarding definition, valorization, recognition, and support of transversal entrepreneurial skills. Second, developing and disseminating an innovative conceptual 3I model (Insight-Independence-Initiative) for assessing, shaping, and strengthening transversal entrepreneurial skills. Third, achieving increased knowledge, awareness, and skills among VET educators regarding practices, initiatives, and tools supporting transversal entrepreneurial skills. Fourth, enhancing the substantive potential of partner organizations and internationalizing their activities through joint planning and implementation of an international project. Fifth, developing sustainable international partnerships and network cooperation that would enable continuation of activities after project completion and transfer of developed solutions to broader VET ecosystems. These objectives were designed to create lasting << Implementation >>The project implemented five complementary activities according to the planned timeline. The ""Project Management"" activity ensured efficient coordination system with an international project team, encompassing financial-substantive monitoring, communication, and reporting. Within ""International Project Meetings,"" an inaugural meeting was conducted in Sofia (September 26-28, 2024) and a closing meeting online (July 30, 2025), which enabled effective activity coordination and knowledge transfer between partners. The key activity ""Designing the 3I Model"" resulted in developing two documents: the theoretical ""Competency Model of Transversal Entrepreneurial Skills"" and the practical ""3I Model Methodological Guide."" The ""Pilot Training for Trainers"" in Sofia (April 7-10, 2025) trained 8 VET educators in utilizing 3I methodology. ""Dissemination Activities"" included 4 online workshops (2 each in Poland and Bulgaria) for 60 participants and publication of materials on European platforms: Erasmus+, EPALE, and Salto-Youth. All activities were implemented with full consideration of equality and social inclusion principles. The systematic approach ensured knowledge transfer, capacity building, and sustainable impact across partner organization<< Results >>Main material outcomes include the ""Competency Model of Transversal Entrepreneurial Skills"" and ""3I Model Methodological Guide"", published in three language versions (PL, BG, EN) and made available on European educational platforms. Two international project meetings were conducted with 8 participants, pilot training for 8 trainers was delivered, and 4 dissemination workshops for 60 participants were organized. Ten e-notes documenting project activities and 10 social media posts were published. Soft results include enhanced substantive and didactic competencies of 8 VET trainers, increased awareness among 60 VET sector professionals, strengthened institutional capacity of partner organizations, and creation of a sustainable international cooperation ecosystem. The 3I Model constitutes a universal tool adaptable to diverse educational needs in formal, non-formal, and informal learning contexts, ensuring lasting impact on entrepreneurial competency development within the VET system."