The number of European partners has grown form 9 to 13. The programme seeks to prepare for the 21st century by improving the quality of vocational training systems and their capacity for innovation, which are key factors for mastering technological and industrial change and its impact upon work organization and the competitiveness of enterprises. It is concerned with enabling vocational training to prepare for the professions of tomorrow, to anticipate change, to visualize the future, to prepare and experiment with new ways and new methods. However, this policy operates in close liaison with European Union's other priorities. There are also close links between training and research and development and with policies for economic and social cohesion.
Vocational training is also an important way of contributing to regional development.
Confebask Confederation - Bilbao. It was established in 1994 by sixteen universities and colleges from five countries of the Carpathian region to encourage links among its member institutions and throughout the world. The main objective of the Association is the advancement of academic, scientific and cultural cooperation, taking advantage of the particular dynamics of the long established historic and cultural links developed in the Carpathian Region. It also enhances the coordination of various activities in the field of international university relations, to the development of specific mechanisms for the transmission of information and knowledge, and to the exchange and support of contacts between member universities and interested third parties. The ACRU also aims at promotion of social, educational and technological development among neighbouring countries, communities and regions.