The aim of the project is to bridge skills gaps and enhance workforce readiness for the green and digital (twin) transition in peripheral and rural regions of Central Europe. To achieve this, the project establishes a multistakeholder participatory approach for workforce development through Regional Upskilling Management Alliances (RUMAs). Bringing together public authorities, VET providers, employers and workforce representatives, RUMAs align training initiatives with local development priorities and support the development of new strategies for workforce upskilling, reskilling and retention. The structure, management and operation of RUMAs are co-shaped and tested with the active involvement of real beneficiaries in all five project areas, with a strong focus on green and digital skills needed for the twin transition.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES:
- Assessment of labour market skill needs: Analysis of current and future skill gaps in partner regions through territorial research, workforce profiling and review of regional development policies and strategies.
- Exchange of good practices and policy learning: Identification, evaluation and sharing of good practices related to skills development, vocational education and training, and labour market policies supporting the twin transition.
- Development of the Regional Upskilling Management Alliance (RUMA) model: Co-creation of an innovative governance and operational framework (RUMA Blueprint) bringing together public authorities, education and training providers, employers and workers.
- Capacity building of local and regional stakeholders: Training sessions and workshops for RUMA members to strengthen institutional capacities for planning, coordinating and implementing upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
- Pilot implementation of RUMA in partner regions: Establishment and testing of five Regional Upskilling Management Alliances in different Central European regions, involving real beneficiaries.
- Support to workers and jobseekers: Digital campaigns and tools offering career guidance, skills orientation and improved access to training and reskilling opportunities, with a focus on green and digital skills.
- Strategy and action plan development: Joint preparation of a transnational workforce development strategy and five regional action plans tailored to local labour market needs.
- Dissemination, replication and upscaling: Communication activities, policy recommendations and replication tools supporting the transfer of the RUMA model beyond the project partnership.
EXPECTED PROJECT RESULTS:
- RUMA Blueprint: A comprehensive governance and operational model for Regional Upskilling Management Alliances, including stakeholder engagement processes, planning tools and monitoring mechanisms.
- Five operational RUMAs: Fully tested Regional Upskilling Management Alliances demonstrating effective multi-stakeholder cooperation in workforce development.
- Joint workforce development strategy: A transnational strategy addressing skills shortages and supporting workforce upskilling and retention in the context of the green and digital transition.
- Five regional action plans: Practical roadmaps for implementing the strategy at regional and local level.
- Stronger institutional capacity: Enhanced ability of public authorities and support institutions to design and coordinate skills and workforce development policies.
- Improved access to skills and training opportunities: Especially for people living in rural and peripheral areas, including low-skilled adults and vulnerable groups.
- Enhanced cross-border and cross-sector cooperation: Lasting collaboration between public authorities, education providers, employers and civil society across Central Europe.
PROJECT PARTNERS:
- BSC, Business Support Centre Ltd, Kranj, SI – coordinator
- Regional coordinator of Sisak-Moslavina County, HR
- Association of Municipalities Polish Network “Energie Cités”, PL
- Paradubice Region, CZ
- South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency, HU
DURATION: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2027
PROJECT WEBSITE: https://www.interreg-central.eu/projects/twinup4ce/
FINANCING: Interreg Central Europe
The project is co-funded by the EU Interreg Central Europe program. The sole responsibility for the content of this website lies with the TWINUP4CE project and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union.
