Study on the Contribution of the VPET System to Innovation

Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) contributes significantly to innovation in Switzerland, according to a new study by Uschi Backes-Gellner and Curdin Pfister. Reasons for this contribution are: VET partnership, permeability, training participation on company level, regular updating of training content, a broad skill mix, and a wide range of opportunities for upgrading qualifications. The study was prepared for SERI as part of the report "Research and Innovation in Switzerland 2020".

The study discusses in detail the systemic, company, and individual components of the VPET system and its significance for innovation. In so doing, however, it also points out challenges. These challenges are, for example, to ensure the unique profiles of the three pillars of the overall education system (Professional Education and Training (PET), Universities of Applied Sciences, and Academic Universities), to make international companies participate in the Swiss VPET system, and to maintain the attractiveness of VET programs in comparison to academic education for highly talented young people. The entire study can be found here: The Contribution of Vocational Education and Training to Innovation: The Case of Switzerland.