Innovate and participate in digital and green transition of VET and Tourism

"<< Background >>The motivation for this project originates from a participatory approach to sustainable tourism development. This approach begins with the idea that tourism developed without the involvement of the entire society and without an environmental perspective cannot be sustainable. Society’s involvement is envisioned through Citizen Science and the Open Innovation 2.0 paradigm, where Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions and students are part of the solution. By being part of the solution, VET gains relevance in driving sustainable tourism innovation and in meeting the future needs of the real tourism sector, ultimately preparing VET students to better meet the demands of future workplaces.This project addresses needs related to sustainable tourism development by engaging VET institutions and the community in the process. These needs include digital tools and methodologies for citizen science and participatory approaches in tourism, improved digital and green skills, and enhanced capacity for VET institutions and other stakeholders to collaborate on new, innovative concepts.<< Objectives >>VET in tourism, as currently practiced, faces significant challenges in meeting the present and future demands of digital and green transformation. Without innovation and close collaboration between VET institutions and the world of work, these transformations will remain out of reach for both sectors. The development of digital and green skills must be coordinated to achieve these goals. Therefore, the project's objective is to address the issues within the tourism sector by empowering VET institutions to be part of the solution. By tackling these challenges through the VET educational process, the aim is to align education with the current and future needs of the tourism industry.Overall objective is to innovate role of VET in digital and green transformation of tourism. Specific objectives: -to develop innovative digital tools and methodology for applying quadruple helix and citizen science concepts in mapping attractions and environment monitoring -to use InnoVET solution to improve digital and green skills of target group -to ensure that methodology and materials are adapted for sustainable replication and use of project results during and after the project -promotion of InnoVET on national and EU level as good practi<< Implementation >>Project developed InnoVET - innovative digital tools and methodology for applying quadruple helix and citizen science concepts in mapping attractions and environment monitoring. InnoVET solution was developed from two perspectives: IT solution-web based application and methodology/educational materials. Piloting, testing and implementation of solution was done with lead from VET schools, tourism boards and NGOs in 9 pilot locations. Visibility and dissemination activities included mix of different activities focusing on making the project visible in the VET and tourism community, but also to general public. During the project implementation solution was tested and replicated in additional locations with intentions to establish a model for sustainable use project of results in not just partner organisations but in VET and tourism sector. Important note: all links with evidence and supporting documents are available in attached Annex: Overview of supporting links for the project reportAll results (handbooks, information about application and mapping results, best practice examples are available on lead partner website: https://visitkarlovaccounty.hr/hr/erasmus-innovet/<< Results >>Project contributed to VET innovation by introducing digital and green innovative concept of: - developing IT tool and methodology to engage VET students in sustainable tourism development - applying digital solutions that are easy to use in VET, have clear purpose in educational process, and are in line with need for digital and green skills, - supporting quadruple helix approach where VET teachers and students are equal partner in the innovation process. Project result and innovation is change of paradigm where VET is not following world of work but participating as equal partner in defining new trends and needs. Output is InnoVET solution with 4 components: “Digital and social transformation of mapping tourist attractions: manual with answers to crucial questions of who, what, when, where and why” “The application of citizen science in mapping tourist attractions: manual with tools for practical application in vocational education and professional studies in tourism” InnoVET application for tourism attraction crowdsourcing& environment monitoring“Innovative development of sustainable tourist products: manual for the application of digital technology and citizen science in evaluating tourist attractions"""