On February 5, 2025, HÉTFA Research Institute organized a roundtable discussion as part of the Net0Manager Erasmus+ project, bringing together key organizations from Hungary. The Net0Manager Erasmus+ project focuses on developing the skills and competencies of EU managers in environmental management, offering innovative approaches to tackling carbon emissions.
The focus group organized by HÉTFA Research Institute aimed to develop policy recommendations that enhance sustainability training and integrate sustainability professionals into the European vocational education system. Additionally, micro-credentials were a key topic of discussion. Among the participants were representatives from the National Federation of Trade Associations, the Budapest Business Development Foundation, the Budapest Chamber of Commerce, the Innovative Training Support Center Nonprofit Ltd., the Pest County Government Office, the Hungarian Association for Regional Development and Environmental Protection, the Social Innovation Center, and the Edutus Institute.
The takeaway from the focus group was that SMEs require personalized training tailored to their specific challenges. Another key observation was that VET training should not only impart theoretical knowledge but also shape business attitudes and actions by applying a sustainability mindset. The most beneficial approach for learners is to gradually build their knowledge and participate in innovative training programs. Innovation is essential for businesses to adapt to changing regulations and technological advancements and to seamlessly integrate sustainability into their daily operations.
Based on the focus group’s insights and the valuable recommendations from experts, the Net0Manager project is developing an online sustainability training material and platform specifically for SMEs. More details about the online training can be found via this link.