Building an Applied Research facility into COVE
BARCOVE aims to develop an innovative and standard-setting model for school-company cooperation in vocational education and training. It focuses on applied research as a lever for scientific, technical innovation within urban space and water management. This project is closely related to the companies' need for innovative technical solutions, competent workers and to the need of the Vocational Education schools to attract highly motivated students.
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The four research fields in BARCOVE
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Permeable pavement
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Soil and plant properties in technical sustainable drainage systems
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Rainwater systems
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Green roofs
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What BARCOVE offers
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2-day international Hackathon for 40 VET students and up to 20 start-ups from 5 countries
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Implementation of the best ideas generated in the hackathon, in a real-life setting of company-school cooperation
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A reference framework for applied research in VET
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Two training modules on applied research in VET directed towards companies and VET schools, respectively.
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A catalogue of interesting practices regarding the implementation of applied research in VET
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A catalogue of interesting practices regarding the implementation of company-school cooperation in VET
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“BARCOVE is the most practical new project for combining water management with urban greening. This is another large step forward in the green transition and will result in sustainable global solutions for climate adaptation.”
- Kristoffer Sindby, Head of Climate Department, OKNygaard, Denmark
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BARCOVE objectives
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To provide a structured mapping and analyzing of existing models and experiences regarding implementation of company-school cooperation, and implementation of applied research in VET that may provide VET schools, companies and policy makers with an overview of interesting practices concerning implementation of applied research into VET.
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To develop several recommendations based on the identified interesting practices, models and experiences to be used by stakeholders involved in applied research related to VET and company innovation.
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To create a combined teaching-training experience (Hackathon) that stimulates creative thinking and entrepreneurship among VET students and support relevant companies.
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To establish a forum that breaks down traditional “silo-thinking” and brings companies, VET institutions, HEIs, authorities and other stakeholders into a pioneering new type of collaboration.
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To build a generalized framework based on the project's mapping and analysis of interesting cases and the completed teaching-training experience (Hackathon), which provides a reflective guide on how to integrate applied research in close collaboration between companies, schools, and other stakeholders.
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To offer the project's reference framework to CoVE, PoVE and other professionals across Europe, and to facilitate its use through the provision of tailor-made courses targeted at companies and VET institutions that wish to strengthen the use of applied research in their innovation and education processes.
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To improve the relevance and image of VET programs that involve applied research and innovation in order to attract more future students through an active dissemination strategy.
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BARCOVE partners
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OKNygard Denmark and Ginkelgroep Nederland, both green companies that make a lot of green roofs
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Projar Spain, consultancy and architecture firm for green spaces and green buildings
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Green Academy Arhus Denmark, Yuverta Netherlands, Malvesia Spain, all three green VET schools. All schools have their own Center of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in Urban Greening with business and social organisations. In the Netherlands the CoVE is called Green Hotspot.
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CIV Water (Centre of Innovation, international)
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World Skills Romania – NGO with expertise in the field of VET, part of CoVE Romania, called Landscape Factory
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For more information, please visit: platformurbangreening.eu
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BARCOVE Results
The BARCOVE project, "Building an Applied Research Facility into Centers of Vocational Excellence," focuses on improving collaboration between vocational schools and companies to tackle real-world challenges. By integrating applied research into education, BARCOVE helps students, educators, and businesses develop innovative solutions for urban space and water management.
We are excited to share key results from the project, now available online:
D2.1
Catalogue of Interesting Practices on the Implementation of Applied Research in VET:
D2.2
Catalogue of Interesting Practices on the Implementation of Company-School Cooperation in VET:
This document provides examples and insights into how applied research can be integrated into vocational education to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry needs.
This document highlights strategies for building strong partnerships between vocational schools and companies, showcasing practical methods for collaboration.
D3.1
The BARCOVE Report on Case Development and Implementation:
This document outlines the methodologies and outcomes of activities focused on applied research in vocational education. This document highlights the preparation, execution, and follow-up of an international hackathon and one-on-one case studies, emphasizing innovative solutions in urban space and water management. Available in English, Danish, Spanish, Romanian, and Dutch, the report provides a comprehensive guide for replicating these methods and fostering collaboration between schools and companies.
D4.1
Recipe Book for Real Cases in Applied Research:
This document provides a practical guide to implementing applied research in vocational education and training (VET). It features real-life case studies and methods such as the Whole CoVE Approach, hackathons, and design thinking, designed to bridge education and industry needs. Available in English, Danish, Spanish, Romanian, and Dutch, it serves as a valuable resource for educators and industry professionals.
D4.2
Training Module: Coaching for Innovation:
This module equips coaches with tools and strategies to guide participants through hackathons focused on solving real-world challenges. It covers techniques for fostering creativity, teamwork, and design thinking in VET contexts, ensuring impactful and innovative outcomes. Available in English, Danish, Spanish, Romanian, and Dutch.
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D4.2
Teacher Guide for Inquiry-Based Learning:
This guide supports teachers in creating inquiry-based learning projects, connecting classroom knowledge with practical industry applications. It provides a detailed framework for guiding students through the research process, enhancing their skills and readiness for the workforce. Available in English, Danish, Spanish, Romanian, and Dutch.
Administrative info
Project title: Building an Applied Research facility into COVE
Granting authority: European Education and Culture Executive Agency
Agreement Number: 101086595 — BARCOVE — ERASMUS-EDU-2022-PI-FORWARD
Lead Beneficiary: OKNYGAARD AS
Country: Demark
Start Date: 01.01.2023
End Date: 31.12.2024
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Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.