First Stakeholder Group meeting in Sofia

The 1st Regional Stakeholder Group (RSG) meeting organised by the Sofia Municipality and the Cluster of Mechatronics and Automation marked the start in the Sofia’s quest to enhance the "Strategy for Young People 2017-2027."

Held on July 4, 2023 at SofiaLab, the meeting provided an informative SKYLA overview and set the stage for regional discussions on how to align the city's strategy with the evolving needs for current and future skills in the context of the twin transitions, addressing digital and green industries.

The meeting brought together participants representing a cross-section of the local ecosystem, including key players such as the Sofia Municipality, Sofia Development Association, secondary schools, University of National and World Economy, Bulgarian Industrial Association, RES Cluster, Cluster of Mechatronics and Automation, Professional Association on Robotics, Automation, and Innovations (PARAi), and the Sofia Student Council.

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the identification of gaps in the synergy between various levels of policy and stakeholders influencing youth employment and career development. Although companies, educational institutions, and public authorities are actively involved in VET and student career pathways, there remains untapped potential for greater cooperation and alignment.

The meeting also spotlighted the emerging trend in "modular" education such as micro-credentials, which seeks to provide learners with the flexibility to acquire specific skills and competencies as needed, departing from traditional lengthy courses. This shift was emphasized as an essential consideration for future policy development.

Gender equality in career development emerged as another concern for the participants. It was noted that existing policies do not adequately address gender equality issues, and discussions highlighted the need for more effective strategies in this regard.