EARLALL Participated in the 7th SKYLA Project Event in Athens

08/05/2026

On 5–6 May 2025, EARLALL participated in the seventh SKYLA Interreg Europe Project event hosted in Athens, Greece, by the Regional Development Fund of Attica (RDFA). The two-day event gathered project partners and stakeholders onsite and online to exchange good practices, review policy developments, and co-design the final public seminar of the SKYLA project. Among the participants was EARLALL member, the Regional Government of Tuscany (Italy), involved in the project as an Associated Policy Authority.

The meeting was opened by Lorenzo Sabatini from Agency for the development of the Empolese Valdelsa (ASEV), who welcomed participants and introduced the programme of the study visit, expert presentations, and stakeholder discussions.

Good Practice: “From Lab to Market”

Antonios Livieratos, Academic Advisor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), presented the good practice “From Lab to Market”, developed through the ARCHIMEDES Technology Transfer Office and Business Accelerator.

The initiative focuses on supporting researchers and innovation professionals through a practical and transferable methodology based on the D-P-C model: Develop – Protect – Commercialise. The approach combines professional development workshops, case-study learning, intellectual property strategy development, and technology transfer processes. One of the key takeaways highlighted during the session was the creation of a shared language between researchers and technology transfer professionals. The model was presented as low-cost, adaptable, practical, and easily replicable in different regional contexts.

Supporting Skills Development in Attica

Aggelos Spiliotis, Head of Unit of Programming and Evaluation at the Managing Authority of the Regional Operational Programme of Attica, presented employee training initiatives implemented through the “ATTIKA” Regional Programme 2021–2027.

The programme aligns with key European Union priorities by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, digital transformation, green transition and environmental sustainability, transport accessibility, human capital development, and integrated territorial development across the Region of Attica. Special attention is given to vocational education and training (VET) and workforce adaptability within Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) priority sectors.

Peer Review of the Region of Attica Action Plan

A central part of the meeting was the peer review session of the Region of Attica Action Plan developed by RDFA. The Action Plan focuses on evidence-based analysis and policy briefs aligned with Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) priorities, awareness-raising activities promoting the attractiveness of VET, targeted upskilling initiatives, and stronger coordination between VET providers, industry representatives, and policymakers.

During the discussion, partners and stakeholders shared recommendations to further strengthen stakeholder cooperation, improve the targeting and clarity of proposed actions, better communicate labour market and industry needs, and enhance training opportunities for rural areas.

Study Visit to Perama Vocational Training Schools

The first day concluded with a study visit to the Perama Vocational Training School (E.S.K.), generously hosted by Giannis Akritidis. Partners explored innovative approaches to vocational education and skills provision linked to the twin transition, with a strong focus on the maritime and ship building sectors.

As part of the National System of Vocational Education and Training in Greece, E.S.K. Perama offers two-year programmes combining theoretical learning, laboratory training, and workplace-based learning. The school provides specialised training in areas such as welding, pipe fitting, machine tools, and industrial applications, responding directly to local industrial and labour market needs. Through close cooperation with companies and a strong emphasis on apprenticeships, students gain practical skills, recognised professional qualifications, and direct pathways to employment.

EARLALL Workshops: Identifying Successes and Co-Designing the Final Seminar

The second day concluded with two interactive workshops facilitated by EARLALL. During the first workshop, partners and stakeholders identified the key achievements of the SKYLA project, focusing on skills and labour market alignment, stakeholder cooperation, and innovation in vocational education. The second workshop focused on the co-design of the final public seminar in Sofia, addressing future skills, education–industry cooperation, relevant stakeholders and speakers, as well as interactive and practice-oriented session formats.

The SKYLA project enables partners to explore how skills intelligence and labour market data can support regional authorities in integrating industry needs into Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3/S4) and better aligning VET provision with evolving labour market demands. EARLALL is pleased to contribute to these discussions and to support regional cooperation aimed at developing more resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented regional skills ecosystems across Europe.