The main objective of the conference is to debate on the changing role of human capital for sustainable knowledge economies and societies’ development in the region as well as for its inclusion into an Enlarged Europe.
Specifically the conference will:
- supply the changing approach of policy making from fragmentation of education, vocational education and training, higher education and research to an integrated and systemic one considering the comprehensive dimension of the human capital;
- discuss ways to deal with the need for and the growing impact of the "knowledge triangle" on economic and social development in South Eastern Europe;
- provide information about relevant international and European developments with regard to human capital contribution to sustainable economic and social development, and to raise awareness to support articulated and coherent actions and practices at all levels, in particular amongst policymakers;
- facilitate co-operation among key actors in the area of human capital in the region.
Rather than reflecting only on the current status of the compartmentalised education systems, innovation and research, the discussions will take advantage of the recent improvements in South Eastern Europe and focus on the development of priorities to reach out to a wider world, involving additional stakeholders and opinion leaders and to develop innovative ways and perspectives for enhanced regional co-operation and for the future of the European integration process on the following topics:
- Human capital contribution to regional development
- Effective policies for building human capital; using evidence and trends
- Fostering human capital for labour market needs and competitiveness
- Human capital contribution to sustainable development
- TVET and HE modernization in Romania through Phare projects: challenges for building human capital in a changing society
The social dimension in building human capital, with special focus on the lifelong learning perspective will be the transversal topic.
In this way the conference reflects not only the new political situation in a Europe which is working on its enlargement and effective neighbourhood policies, but also takes into account ongoing discussions and perspectives of the Lisbon Strategy and the growing engagement of the countries of Southeast Europe in a Wider European Area of Education and Research.
Above all, the role of education, training and research as an integral factor for economic development, social cohesion, innovation and cultural diversity is still not fully acknowledged by the political leadership and the general public, thus failing to provide a sufficient range of concrete measures and support for education and research development on national and European levels. On the other hand European Initiatives, such as the Bologna Process and "Education and Training 2010" have not only generated considerable interest in SEE, but have increasing influence on education systems in South Eastern Europe.
Initiatives and networks such as the Education Reform Initiative of Southeast Europe (ERI SEE) and the Steering Platform on Research for the Western Balkans clearly indicate the growing willingness to co-operate in this respect on both the regional and European levels. In this way the existing networks and initiatives are emphasising the importance of regional ownership and leadership as targeted by the South Eastern European Regional Cooperation Council.
Given these changes in the overall framework, the International Conference will offer a platform for the development of a comprehensive perspective at national, regional and European levels, nurturing the working agenda for RCC for the next years and substantiating future actions of the existing regional networks and initiatives by involving a wide range of stakeholders.
