GROOVE Toolkit_Final Version_090223

40 www.grooveproject.eu This project has been funded with support from the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Programme. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. [Project Number: 2021-1-CY01-KA220-VET-000033254] Introduction to Strategies in the VET Sector Considering the increasing use of digital technologies in the 21st century, human capital skills became critical for continuous economic and social development. In addition, the advancement of employees’ digital competencies became vital for society and organizations as technological growth progresses. A proven way to overcome these challenges is through Vocational Education Training (VET). However, the VET and adult education sector in Europe is fragmented while comprehensive strategies or policies at European and national levels are absent. Therefore, organizations need to develop tailored strategic plans to align their aims and need with technological progress and development. What is a strategy Strategy is an organization’s higher-level plan or a set of consecutive combined actions towards the achievement of a long–term aim. Such plans reflect the organizational goals and objectives. The strategy effects can only be assessed in the long-term and often include the vision and mission of the organization. Strategies are also closely interrelated to organizational policies and procedures (see Figure 3). Figure 3 - Strategic Plan Framework Policies refer to a set of guidelines, standards, rules and regulations designed and implemented by an organization to support rational decision-making for executing the strategy, with the ultimate goal to Strategy Policy Procedures