Twin Transition for Social Enterprises in Arts and Craft Sectors TtraSE

Project Title: Twin Transition for Social Enterprises in Arts and Craft Sectors TtraSE

Donor: European Commission, Erasmus plus Programme

Description:

The overarching goal is to empower institutions with the tools and capabilities required to actively contribute to economic growth, job creation, and social advancement in the Western Balkans. Capacity building efforts extend to the staff of C-VET organisations and trainers, ensuring a multiplier effect on learners, (final beneficiaries of the innovation in CVET systems, attending EQF5), identified as staff and managers of the social enterprises in arts & craft and interested people
that attend the training for twin transition of arts & craft.. This includes targeted programs to enhance the professional skills, knowledge, and competences of C-VET staff and trainers, thereby fostering an efficient and impactful improvement in the quality of education and training, particularly within the context of social enterprises in the arts and crafts sector.

Objectives

to enhance the organizational capabilities of participating entities in the Western Balkans, directly impacting the local socio-economic landscape. This involves fortifying
internal structures, refining management practices, boosting financial sustainability, and nurturing a culture of innovation, with specific attention to social enterprises in the arts and crafts sector.
To bolster the relevance, accessibility, and responsiveness of C-VET institutions and systems in the Western Balkans, positioning them as catalysts for sustainable socio-economic development. This encompasses aligning curriculum development with industry needs, implementing initiatives for improved educational accessibility, and establishing mechanisms for educational programs to adapt to dynamic conditions.

TtraSE envisions building the capacity of VET C-VET providers to become pivotal drivers of KOM, MATERA

sustainable socio-economic development and it seeks to strengthen private-public cooperation, enhance the quality, and responsiveness of VET/C-VET, focus on VET teachers/trainers professional development, green and digital skills for the twin transition of SE in arts & craft, and quality assurance mechanisms, exploiting micro-credentials approaches.
On February 25th and 27th, the first meeting was held in Matera, involving 10 partners from 4 EU countries (IT, ES, BE, GR) and 4 WB countries (Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo), where the project implementation and the responsibilities of each partner were discussed.

On September 11 and 12, 2025, ACT Center participated in the TtraSe project partner meeting in Prizren, Kosovo.
This meeting served to:
✅ Review and refine key project milestones. TPM, PRIZREN
✅ Align strategies for the twin transition (digital and green).
✅ Co-create innovative tools for arts & crafts social enterprises.

One of the most important moments was the Co-creation Lab, where we had the pleasure of hosting Marina Pilinci, Training Coordinator from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tirana.
Together with her and with representatives of vocational education and social enterprises, we exchanged ideas and best practices.

On April 21–22, ACT Center, in collaboration with Partners Albania for Change and Development, welcomed international partners of the TtraSE project in Tirana for two days of collaboration, exchange, and innovation. The first day, April 21, was marked by the organization of a dynamic Co-Creation Lab held at Europe House, implemented in a hybrid format. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the vocational education and training (VET) sector, social enterprises, civil society organizations, and field experts. This inclusive setting fostered meaningful dialogue and cross-sector collaboration.

Participants were actively engaged in a series of interactive and participatory sessions designed to generate innovative ideas and practical solutions. These sessions included a SWOT analysis to assess current challenges and opportunities, group work focused on ideating solutions, and in-depth discussions aimed at prioritizing and validating the most impactful ideas. The outcomes also included concrete recommendations for improving training programs, particularly in relation to the needs of the arts and crafts sector. The Co-Creation Lab saw the participation of 54 attendees, reflecting strong interest and commitment from various stakeholders. The high level of engagement demonstrated the relevance of the project and the shared motivation to strengthen the ecosystem supporting social enterprises.

On April 22, project partners gathered for a coordination meeting to review progress and align on the next steps. Discussions focused on ongoing work packages, partner responsibilities, and the planning of upcoming activities, ensuring effective implementation of the project in the months ahead.

The TtraSE project continues to contribute to building a more collaborative and resilient ecosystem for the development of social enterprises in the arts and crafts sector across the Western Balkans. Through initiatives like the Co-Creation Lab and partner coordination meetings, the project fosters innovation, strengthens partnerships, and supports sustainable growth in the region.