COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
C0M(89) 355 final 
Brussels, 10 August 1989 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
relating to the adoption of a Community action programme In the 
field of vocational training and technological change 
(EUROTECNET II) 
(presented by the Commission) 
Proposal for a Council Decision concerning 
a Community Action Programme 
in the Field of Vocational Training 
and Technological Change 
EUROTECNET II 
I - INTRODUCTION - THE BACKGROUND 
1. Initiated by the Council Resolution of June 2, 1983, and operational 
since 1985, the Community Action Programme on Vocational Training and 
New Information Technologies, called EUROTECNET, had a-network of more 
than 130 projects which interacted with each other, exchanging exper­
iences and transferring lessons and good training practices. 
Through the programme, training professionals in all Member States were 
able to keep to the forefront in developing and adapting methods and 
materials aimed at the various target groups, such as poorly-qualified 
young people, women, unemployed workers, and workers in companies 
whose skills were outdated. In addition policy makers in Member 
States were able to benefit from the. wider window offered by 
EUROTECNET on training innovations when proposing changes in national 
systems. The network itself ensured that innovative experience from 
one Member State could be disseminated in ether ones, thereby re­
inforcing the qualitative impact on national training systems. The 
operation of the network and related activities also provided the 
sociai partners with a means of developing the Scciai Dialogue en 
technology training questions, such as the co-operation launched in 
the construction industry. 
It is now recognised that two interrelated factors will hr:= a décis­
ive impact on the evolution of the labour markets in Europe: Htechno­
logical chance" which will make the integrated market economically and 
structurally possible, and the "completion ci the single market", 
which represents the indispensable economic condition to fester tech­
nological change itself : 
a) technological chance, which influences work tasks and ••crh Oi-::a;:-
isation, creates new qualification requirement-;, changes :rcf^s-
sional roles and classifications, and- dce'ply alters the natur,- ci 
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b) the perspective of the completion of the single market by 1393, 
will radically transform the scope of labour market mobility, 
change the nature of labour force movements and the relative 
value of qualifications and human resources in the socio-economic 
field, and necessitate a greater effort to ensure economic and 
social cohesion as an essential component of the single market. 
The development of training provision in view of these interrelated 
factors, is the corner stone of the philosophy behind the EUROTECNET 
programme. 
The greater role played by enterprises in training has led to new 
types of cooperation between social partners and training actors, 
recognising the positive impact of public-private partnership and/cr 
inter-enterprises consortia for technological transfers (with parti­
cular regard for Slit's), and transnational cooperation in view of the 
single market. 
4. It is increasingly recognised that the changes required in vocational 
training should not just adapt qualifications retrospectively, as a 
result of new technological processes and consequent industrial 
restructuring, but rather should anticipate future trends. Thus 
through proper policies vocational training can contribute to maxim­
ising the results of technological investment, thereby assisting 
economic and social progress. 
5. Another significant part of recent technological advance has been the 
increased use of new technologies for training itself, not only en­
hancing its efficiency, making training delivery economically and 
educationally more effective, but radically changing the role and 
functions of those involved in it, demanding new types of trainers for 
fulfilling new training functions, as well as inculcating new atti­
tudes in trainees (self learning competency). 
EURCTECMET I stimulated a wide range of interest in and demand for 
activities which require a new Decision in order to provide the has:is 
fer a reinforcement and extension of the programme. The positive 
reaction of the actors, both policy makers in Member States and 
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Community to cope with and master technological chance through the 
EURCTECMET programme. 
While the fundamental basic structure will be retained in EURCTECMET 
II (i.e. the network of demonstration projects), an increasing effort 
will be made to build links betveer. individual projects from several 
Member States. These links will generate joint training projects to 
improve training methodologies and materials, is well as the greater 
potential for the transfer of good training practic to regions m 
need of modernisation. 
n.- In addition the greater emphasis to be attached to ._.;.•._.,•„ ..•--j-..ai: 
training innovation in individual sectors will stimulate better co­
operation between the social partners involved (in response to calls 
made in the context of the Social DiaiocuV; as well as enhancir.o the 
oransnacionai crcss-tertiiisaticn c: training innovation. 1"•:.:vear -i 
efforts will also be made to identify the connections oetwe-n 
technological innovation and the qualifications and jobs of the 
future, particularly in connection with the likely downstream impact 
or Community RTD programmes on goods and services. 
Other key issues arising out of the operation of EUROTECIIET I and 
requiring considerable extra attention in the new programme include 
the changing role of trainers faced by technological change, the use 
of the new technologies themselves in the training process as cost 
effective delivery mechanisms, and the increasing complexities faced 
by smaller companies in acquiring and keeping technological expertise. 
7. An important aspect of the renewed programme is the emphasis on new 
technologies or technological change as opposed to the concentration 
exclusively on new information technologies as in EUROTECNET I. This 
shift in emphasis responds to the need for the programme to encompass 
the changes engendered by the most advanced technologies and the 
combination of skills (multiskilling) called for by the marriage of 
different scientific disciplines, which extend beyond information 
technologies and are particularly evident in the impact of 
technological changes in individual sectors. The accent on 
technological change will also facilitate the links to be developed 
with the Community RTD programmes, covering as they do a wide range of 
technologies and potential impact on skills and training. Finally the 
term new information technologies itself is no longer sufficiently 
precise for most operators in the training field and could give rise 
to misunderstandings. 
Great care will be taken in the execution of the programme to ensure 
the concentration of effort in particular areas. This task will be 
facilitated by the more pronounced sectoral aspect to the programme 
(in co-operation with the social partners) and the strong links to be 
established with the Community RTD programmes. The specific fields or 
technologies on which to concentrate during the course of EUROTECNET 
II will be defined in co-operation with the Member States to ensure 
the continuing relevance of the programme for national priorities, 
while at the same time providing the necessary co-ordination at 
Community level. 
3. In the execution of the programme attention will be paid to t:^ 
possibility of developing contacts with similar initiatives in the 
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specific rules and restrictions governing the utilisation of the 
European Social Fund. 
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-....~^.._\ j^d ETUC (Eurcoean Trade Union Confederation) ;learlv favour a 
rontmuation of the EUROTECIIET programme and the Advisory Committee o: 
Vocational Training at its meeting on S Cëcember 1922 unanimously adopted a 
favourable opinion. 
A renewal of the EUROTECMET programme would also be central to the Joint 
opinion of the Working Party on Social Dialogue and the Mew Technologies 
concerning Training and Motivation of 6 March 1987 (Val Duchesse), and the 
spirit of the conclusions adopted by the Social Dialogue Steering group of 
12 January 1989. 
The Commission proposes the following decision to renew and extend the 
EUROTECMET programme. 
II - AIMS AND MODALITIES 
1. The EUROTECNET II programme will have two principal objectives : 
to improve the capacity for basic and continuing training 
in the European Community to take account of 
technological changes and their impact on employment, work 
and qualifications ; 
to assist in the design and development of future training provi­
sion, in order to take account of the implications of future 
technological developments for new and existing occupations and 
provide for the necessary new skills and qualifications required. 
The first principal objective is aimed at developing and improving 
training provision, and will include information and training acti­
vities for key actors in the field, the fostering of transnational 
cooperative ventures within the network, transfer of expertise, espec­
ially in favour of less developed regions or certain sectors, coordin­
ated visits and exchanges, a Community wide clearing house for ex­
changeable learning materials, dissemination and information activ­
ities, especially using new technologies. 
The second principal objective is aimed at contributing to the design 
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ish a dialogue on future training needs with interested partners, and 
:reate links with Community RTD programmes which have qualifi­
cations and training implications 
'^.2 ways and means through which the Commission proposes to have these 
objectives achieved fall into two categories. 
The first will comprise a common framework of principles for the 
development and improvement of training policies and systems in the 
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"easures taken bv and "ichm Member States 
The EUROTECNET II programme should extend over a period of 5 years, 
starting at the beginning of 1990. The estimation of needs until 1992 
established within the framework cf present financial forecasts 1SS3 
to 1992 amounts to 29 MECUs, approximately 21.5 MECUs ci which is 
expected to be financed under the European Social Fund. Budget line 
35342 will cover the cost of the various supporting measures or 
exchange, animation, technical support, joint ventures, expertise 
consultancy, diffusion and evaluation which are necessary for the 
execution of the programme. The basic funding of the participating 
projects will be the responsibility of Member States, although 
additional funding under the European Social Fund may be sought for 
projects which are considered eligible within the framework of the 
national programmes. 
Member States and the Commission will present in the Community Support 
Frameworks the actions to be co-financed by the European Social Fund 
in the framework of the EUROTECNET programme. The actions relating to 
the programme will be presented by the competent national authorities 
to the Commission which will be responsible for the practical 
financing mechanisms in accordance with the rules governing the 
Structural Funds. In this way a clear bridge will be made between the 
operations supported by the Structural Funds and the development of 
the Community's common policies in the field of vocational training, 
particularly with regard to the need for the workforce to master 
technological change. 
PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION RELATING TO THE 
ADOPTION OF A COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMME IN THE FIELD 
OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE 
(EUROTECNET II) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, 
and in particular Article 128 thereof, 
Having regard to Council Decision 63/266/EEC of 2 April 1963 
laying down general principles for implementing a common vocational 
training policy (1), and in particular the second, fifth, sixth, 
seventh, ninth and tenth principles thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (2), 
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (3), 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (4), 
Whereas on 2 June 1983, the Council adopted a Resolution concerning 
vocational training measures relating to new information technologies \'-), 
Whereas the Commission transmitted to the Council on 18 April 1985 a 
communication on vocational training and the new information technologies 
detailing the work programme from 1985 to 1988 (6), and whereas this work 
programme is commonly called EUROTECNET; 
1. OJ No 63, 20.4.63, p. 1338/63. 
2. OJ 1989, p. 
3. OJ 1989, p. 
4. OJ 1989, p. 
5. OJ No C 166, 25.6.1983, p. 1. 
6. COM(85)167 final 
Whereas the Heads of State and Government meeting in the iuiopean Council 
in December 1986 emphasised the importance of Community actions for empl­
oyment and having as their objective to encourage better training of young 
people and adults, and whereas the Heads of State and Government meeting 
in the European Council in June 1989 reinforced this position, stressing 
that the upgrading of human resources through training constituted a 
fundamental aspect of economic and social development and noted the 
agreement reached on continuing vocational training; 
Whereas the Council has already adopted, in extending the framework pro­
gramme of research and development (7), measures aimed at reinforcing 
technological and industrial cooperation at Community level, in particular 
by Decisions 88/279/EEC (8), 85/196/EEC (9), 88/419/EEC (10) concerning 
ESPRIT, BRITE/EURAM, SCIENCE, and 88/417/EEC (11) concerning DELTA, which 
is directed specifically at learning technologies ; whereas this techno­
logical and industrial cooperation in the field of research and develop­
ment must be supported by parallel efforts in the field of vocational 
training; 
Whereas Council Decision 89/286/EEC ( 1 2) on the main 
phase of the Strategic Community Programme for Innovation and Technology 
Transfer (SPRINT) adopted certain activities concerning the transfer of 
know-how in the fields of innovation management and transfer of 
technology, and decided to launch specific projects for intra-Community 
innovation transfer -including training elements; 
Whereas the European Parliament adopted on 24 May 1983 a Resolution on 
the competitiveness of Community industry (13), in which it asked for 
increased efforts to be made in favour of vocational training and the 
training of the leaders of enterprises; whereas this Resolution was 
supplemented by the Resolution on the continuing training of workers in 
enterprises (14), and other Resolutions concerning in particular the 
framework programme for technological research and development (15), 
and regional development, education and training (16); 
Whereas in the context of social dialogue, joint opinions were adopted on 6 March 19b7, one of which 
related to training and motivation and which stressed the necessity for 
effective training for workers and managerial staff in the new techno­
logies; 
7. 
8. 
9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 
16. OJ No L 
OJ No L 
CJ No L 
OJ No L 
OJ No L 
OJ No L 
OJ No C 
OJ No C 
OJ No C 
OJ No C 302, 
118, 
83, 
206, 
206, 
112, 
135, 
156, 
7, 
99, 24.10.1987, 
6.5.1988, 
25.3.1985, p 
30.7.1988, 
30.7.1988, 
25.4.1989, 
24.5.1983, 
15.6.1987, 
12.1.1987, 
13.4.1987, p. 1. 
p. 32 
. 8. 
P. 34. 
p. 20. 
p. 12 , 
P. 27. 
p.211. 
p. 19. 
p. 15 
Whereas the exploitation of technological developments throughout industry 
will depend on the adaptability of the qualifications and the enterprise 
of the workforce; whereas, in this context, there is a more urgent need 
than ever to reinforce, at Community level, the appropriate initiatives 
and actions in progress which aim to draw the full potential from human 
resources and investment in training as a complement to an overall 
Community strategy in the field of industrial, research, development and 
innovation policies; and whereas in this context vocational training is an 
indispensable instrument for the completion of the Internal Market in 
1992; 
Whereas Council Resolution of 22 December 1986 on an action programme on employment growth (17) 
stressed the need for improved vocational training, higher levels of 
qualifications and greater cooperation between social partners as 
essential elements in the growth of employment; 
Whereas the Council in its Decision 87/b69/EEC (18) 
adopted an action programme for the vocational training of young people 
and their preparation for adult and working life, including the inten­
tion to enhance the capacity of vocational training systems to adapt to 
rapid economic, technological and social change ; 
Whereas the Council in its Decision 89/27/EEC of 16 December 1988 (19) 
adopted a second phase of the COMETT programme on cooperation between 
universities and industry regarding training in the field of technology, 
and in particular advanced technology; 
Whereas these measures need to be supplemented by additional measures 
to ensure the adaptation of basic and continuing training systems within 
and between Member States to take account of technological change; 
Whereas the first EUROTECNET programme from 1985 to 1988 highlighted the 
importance of developing cooperation between Member States in the field of 
adapting vocational training to the introduction of the new information 
technologies and the need to strengthen such cooperation; whereas in this 
context it is important to support training actions having a Community 
dimension and to ensure balanced development throughout the Community, and 
therefore in order to do so it is appropriate to involve, as far as 
possible, existing bodies in the Member States; 
Whereas it is necessary, in extension of the Council Resolution of 3 
November 198 6 concerning the action programme for small and 
medium-sized enterprises (20), to engage such enterprises in the imple­
mentation of EUROTECNET as well as in the diffusion of the results of 
the programme; 
Whereas the necessary funding for the EUROTECNET programme will be 
established in the general Budget of the Community; 
17. OJ No C 340, 31.12.1986, p. 2. 
13. OJ No L 346, 10.12.1987, p.31. 
19. OJ No L 13, 17.1.1989, P.28. 
20. OJ HOC 287, 14.11.1986, p. 1. 
Whereas the Chairman's conclusions of the Standing Committee on 
Employment were adopted on 25 November 1988; 
Whereas on 5 June 1989 the Council adopted a resolution concerning 
continuing vocational training (21); 
Whereas the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training has expressed 
its opinion; 
HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING DECISION: 
Article 1 
A second action programme of vocational training and technological change, 
hereinafter referred to as "EUROTECNET II", is hereby adopted for a 
period of five years commencing on 1 January 1990. 
Article 2 
The principal objectives of EUROTECNET II are as follows : 
to improve the capacity for basic and continuing training in the 
European Community to take account of technological changes and 
their impact on employment, work and qualifications ; 
to assist in the design and development of future training 
provision, in order to take account of the implications of future 
technological developments for new and existing occupations and 
provide for the necessary new skills and qualifications required. 
The EUROTECNET II programme is designed to complement and 
reinforce policies introduced in Member States by : 
a) promoting the use of innovative approaches by identifying within 
each Member State a number of relevant model demonstration 
projects and by setting up the linkages required for 
demonstration projects to contribute to innovation and coop­
eration within and between Member States ; 
b) strengthening cooperation between Member States on the exchange 
and transfer of methodologies, the joint development of 
innovative approaches and the improved contacts between training 
specialists in this field ; 
21. OJ NoC 148, 14.6.1989, p. 1. 
c) improving the capacity of Member States to maximise the benefits 
of their participation in the programme for their own basic and 
continuing training systems by helping to strengthen the 
necessary infrastructure in each Member State, and contributing 
to the better quality of the basic and in-service training of 
trainers and ensuring the widespread dissemination of results 
from the programme ; 
d) making widely available and applicable throughout the Community 
the benefits of experience and good practice in the field of 
training for technological change ; 
e) undertaking the necessary research and analytical work in the 
field of new skills and qualifications to enable future provision 
for basic and continuing training to be adapted, and 
contributing to the flexibility of training systems through a 
stimulation of work on open and flexible learning approaches and 
other innovative methods identified during the course of the 
programme ; 
f) organising a series of supportive information activities designed 
to inform a wider public on initiatives relating to training 
and technological change, to stimulate the interaction of 
participants in the programme and to improve European cooperation 
between providers of information on vocational training. 
Article 3 
The EUROTECNET II programme shall comprise: 
a) A common framework of principles for th* development and 
improvement of training policies and systems in the new 
technologies in the Member States, as set out in Article 4, 
and 
b) A series of measures to be implemented at Community level, 
as set out in the Annex, 'and as such designed 
to support and supplement those measures taken by and within 
Member States. 
'I© 
Article 4 
The measures forming part of the EUROTECNET II programme to be 
implemented under Article 5 should complement and reinforce those 
activities of Member States which comply with the general principles fc; 
implementing a common vocational training policy and which are intended 
to : 
a) strengthen cooperation at all levels between the vocational 
training systems. This cooperation should include public and 
private provisions and the participation of the social partners and 
all sectors of the economy, to ensure the adaptation of training 
systems to take account of technological change ; 
b) raise the level of vocational training and acquisition of skills 
for the work force, both employed and unemployed, in respect of 
the impact of technological change on industrial restructuring 
and employment. Specific account should be taken of the training 
provided by or for enterprises and in particular the situation of 
small and medium sized enterprises as regards the training both 
of managers and workers ; 
c) stimulate the development of innovative approaches through the 
establishment of experimental or demonstration training actions. 
Such actions should be designed to contribute to the development 
and improvement of the provision for vocational training and 
should also be widely disseminated. 
d) provide for unemployed young people, in particular those whose 
qualifications are inadequate or unsuitable, to enter working lift 
through suitable measures of training both in the new technologies 
and in coping with technological developments ; 
e) promote equal opportunities for men and women, in particular to 
facilitate the retraining or re-entry into employment of women whose 
careers are affected by technological change or who want to take up 
work again with the necessary acquisition of new skills and qualifi­
cations ; 
f) promote the training and retraining of trainers in order to 
ensure the necessary upgrading of social and technical skills, 
including the use of multi-media training techniques ; 
The Member States shall submit a report to the Commission on their activities 
undertaken in the implemention of these principles and measures not later 
than 31 December 1992, and again not later than 31 December 1994. 
** 
Article 5 
To give a significant Community impetus to the efforts of Member States 
to raise the quality and level of vocational training and vocational 
qualifications for technological change, the Commission shall implement 
a series of supporting measures as set out in the Annex. 
In implementing these measures, special account and consideration shall 
be taken of the need to recognise and meet the differing needs and 
situations of ail Member States, with particular regard to the relative 
levels of technological advancement and to the respective provision for 
vocational training. 
Article 6 
As from 1 January 1990, the annual credits necessary to cover the 
Community contribution to the actions provided for in the programme 
will be established in the annual budgetary procedure, taking into 
account the results of the programme as well as any new needs which may 
emerge during its operation. These credits are intended to finance 
the various actions set out in the Annex, including appropriate 
measures taken to ensure the technical assistance at Community level, 
continuing monitoring and evaluation of the programme. 
The appropriations deemed necessary for the first three years of the 
programme will form part of future budgets within the framework of the 
present financial forecasts 1988 - 1992 agreed jointly by the three 
Institutions in June 1988 and their development. 
Article 7 
The Commission shall ensure that EUROTECNET II is consistent with other 
Community programmes and activities in the fields of vocational train­
ing and technological developments. 
The Commission shall draw as appropriate upon the assistance of the 
European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) in 
the implementation of this programme. 
Article 8 
In implementing EUROTECNET II the Commission shall keep the Advisory 
Committee for Vocational Training regularly informed and to this effect 
periodic reports regarding the implementation of the programme shall be 
presented by the Commission to the Advisory Committee. 
*% 
Article 9 
The Commission shall submit during 1992 an interim report to the Council 
and to the European Parliament on the implementation of EUROTECNET II. 
The Commission shall by 30 June 1995 submit to the Council and the European 
Parliament a final report on the experience and results of EUROTECNET II 
having regard to the objectives set out and defined in Article 2, including 
an evaluation of its operation. 
In the preparation of these reports the Commission shall take account of 
the reports submitted by the Member States under the provisions of 
Article 4. 
Article 10 
This decision is addressed to the Member States. 
Done at Brussels, For the Council 
The President 
13 
ANNEX 
Measures to be implemented at Community level to aid Member States in 
raising the quality and level of vocational training and vocational 
qualifications for technological change. 
1. The principal objectives of EUROTECNET II are as follows : 
. to improve the capacity for basic and continuing training in the 
European Community to take account of technological 
changes and their impact on employment, work and qualifications ; 
to assist in the design and development of future training provi­
sion, in order to take account of the implications of future 
technological developments for new and existing occupations and 
provide for the necessary new skills and qualifications required. 
!. The following series of measures will be implemented at Community 
level in the course of EUROTECNET II to support and complement 
measures taken within Member States. 
a) Promoting the use of innovative approaches in adapting training 
to technological change : 
- The core of the EUROTECNET programme will consist of a 
Community-wide network of innovative demonstration projects 
identified within Member States and aimed at improving the 
design and delivery of training to take account of 
technological change. In addition the network will be used to 
strengthen all forms of cooperation between the parties 
involved at all levels to seek solutions to issues of common 
concern, and to enhance the motivation and training of the 
workforce faced with technological change. In the process of 
selecting the projects for possible inclusion in the network 
particular account will be taken of the objectives laid down 
in Article 4 of the Decision, particularly as regards 
participation by the social partners, the involvement of 
economic sectors or branches of industry affected by techno­
logical change, the need to ensure access by women to 
requisite technological training, and the capacity to make 
widely available the benefits of experience and good practice. 
- While the responsibility for setting up and funding the 
demonstration projects will remain with Member States, 
Community support measures will be aimed at developing and 
improving the links between the projects in a Community 
context, including the necessary animation, coordination and 
dissemination activities. The network of demonstration 
projects and Community support measures may include on the one 
hand projects which receive support from the European Social 
Fund and on the other hand projects which do not receive 
4V 
support from the European Social Fund but which are considered 
to have a high national priority. 
- Information and training actions will be undertaken to improve 
the ability of key participants in the vocational training 
field to take advantage of the changes brought about by 
technological change and of new training methodologies them­
selves. This will be done through a process of coordinating 
the transfer, extension and dissemination of best training 
practice for technological advance within and between Member 
States. 
- The setting up of European training and technology consortia 
will be encouraged, involving small and medium-sized 
enterprises (SMEs) and larger enterprises and training 
institutions to develop and improve technology training for 
the enterprises and job seekers. 
b) Strengthening the links between Member States : 
- Transnational cooperative ventures will be encouraged between 
demonstration projects and between public training bodies and 
private organisations which are concerned with developing new 
approaches to training, the development of transferable train­
ing programmes and materials and the exchange of such products 
using advanced communications facilities. 
- A clearing house will be set up in close liaison with the 
network of demonstration projects to enable the evaluation and 
exchange of learning materials designed for technology 
training. 
- Transnational study visits will be organised by CEDEFOP on 
behalf of the Commission for those involved in demonstration 
projects and other aspects of the programme, and will 
reinforce the existing study visits scheme for vocational 
training specialists. 
c) Improving the capacity of Member States to maximise the benefits 
of their participation in EUROTECNET : 
- A structure for dissemination and animation will be 
established as appropriate within each Member State to 
maximise the impact of the programme on training policies and 
practices. 
- Activities will be undertaken to enable expertise in 
technology training to be transferred between Member States, 
between sectors and in favour of disadvantaged groups of the 
population. This will take the form of providing advice and 
consultancy services to Member States (particularly the 
regionally disadvantaged ones) or to individual projects in 
order to help identify and plan training needs. 
- A model training of trainers scheme in technological change 
and its consequential effect on qualifications will be 
identified and developed. The transfer values of these actions 
will be supported by the appropriate exchange mechanisms. 
AS 
- A series of publications will be drawn up to ensure a wide 
distribution of information on the programme and its activi­
ties in the Community languages. 
d) Undertaking the necessary work to enable future training provi­
sion and systems to be effectively adapted as a consequence of 
technological change : 
- To complement and underpin the network of demonstration 
projects a series of research and analytical actions will be 
initiated to give scientific support to the programme. 
Collaborative projects involving several Member States will be 
supported to develop new training approaches which respond to 
future needs on the labour market regarding skills and 
qualifications needed for technological change. 
- In this regard priority will be given to the following areas : 
Developing new pedagogic approaches and models for curriculum 
development of technology training which meet the needs of 
newly emerging skills and qualifications and which draw in 
particular on open and flexible learning approaches. 
Ensuring easier access and more appropriate forms of training 
in the new technologies for disadvantaged or marginalised 
groups. 
Developing training approaches which are designed to 
anticipate future needs and which seek to multiply the effects 
of investment in technology and improve its results, in 
terms of productivity and work organisation, particularly as 
regards Community Research and Technology Development 
Programmes. Actions in this regard will be designed to 
complement and reinforce those undertaken in the COMETT 
programme. 
e) Organising a series of supportive information activities: 
a number of high level demonstration conferences will be 
mounted within Member States or at Community level to 
highlight for a wider public major issues relating to 
technology and training ; 
- a number of European training seminars, specialised colloquia, 
interprojects exchange workshops and round tables will be set 
up with a view to pooling expertise and to strengthening links 
between actors in the programme; 
- the use of new technologies in information provision in 
training will be also furthered through support for Community 
cooperation between information providers. 
3. Evaluation systems will be implemented for EUROTECNET II which will 
consist of two parts : 
continuous formative evaluation of the priority activities of the 
programme 
AC 
summative evaluation reports will be produced with a view to 
complementing the interim and final report on the programme 
required under Article 9 of the Decision-
4. The necessary technical assistance will be provided at Community level 
to underpin the activities undertaken under the EUROTECNET programme. 
Furthermore, specific provision will be made by the Commission for the 
animation and continuing evaluation of the EUROTECNET programme and 
for the dissemination through all the Community languages of expe­
rience arising out of it. 
*1 
FINANCIAL RECORD 
1. Budget Line and Title 
- B 6342 and European Social Fund (see point 6) 
- EUROTECNET II (Programme in the field of Vocational Training 
& Technological Change) 
2. Legal Basis 
- Council Resolution of 02/06/83 (OJ No C 166 of 25/06/83) 
- Council Decision 89/ / /EEC of adopting the 
EUROTECNET II programme (OJ No ). 
- Article 128 of the Treaty 
3. Classification of expenditure 
- Non-compulsory expenditure 
- Non-dissociated appropriations 
4. Description 
- The principal objectives of the EUROTECNET II programme are 
as follows: 
. to improve the capacity for initial and continuing 
training in the European Community to take account 
of technological changes and their impact on 
employment, work and qualifications ; 
. to assist in the design and development of future training 
provision, m order to take account of the implications of 
future technological developments for new and existing 
occupations and provide for the necessary new skills and 
qualifications required. 
In particular the EUROTICIET II programme will be designed to completer.: 
and reinforce policies introduced in Member States by : 
a; promoting the use of innovative approaches by identifying within 
each Member State a number of relevant model demonstration 
projects and by setting up the linkages required for 
demonstration projects to contribute to innovation and 
cooperation within and between Member States ; 
w strengthening cooperation between Member States on the exchange 
ani transie1" c" 'e'hocclccies and the ici'*1* dev;~* G*-~*•-'"*• ^^ 
innovative apprcicr. tc ir.i tn= improved contacts .3et*7sen training 
;r-"'?* "• e^î i ** ^"'**c *-.-*••" 
A% 
c) improving the capacity of Member States to maximise the benefits 
of their participation in the programme for their own initial and 
continuing training systems through helping to strengthen the 
necessary infrastructure in each Member State, and contributing 
to the better capacity of the initial and in-service training of 
trainers and ensuring the widespread dissemination of results 
from the programme ; 
d) making widely available and applicable throughout the Community 
the benefits of experience and good practice in the field of 
training for technological change ; 
e) undertaking the necessary research and analytical work in the 
field of new skills and qualifications to enable future provision 
for initial and continuing training to be adapted, and 
contributing to the flexibility of training systems through a 
stimulation of work on open and flexible learning approaches and 
other innovative methods identified during the course of the 
programme ; 
f) organising a series of supportive information activities designed 
to inform a wider public on initiatives relating to training 
and technological change, to stimulate the interaction of 
participants in the programme and to improve European co-operation 
between providers of information on vocational training. 
5. Justification 
The EUROTECNET programme responds to the need to ensure the 
adaptation of vocational training to technological change within 
the context of the internal market, through decisive action in 
the field of developing highly qualified human resources. The 
report on the first EUROTECNET programme (from 1935-1982) 
highlights the progress made through cooperation between Member 
States, and the work which remains to be done, particularly in 
identifying and developing areas of good practice, and dissemin­
ating these and other examples of technology training to inte­
rested parties throughout the Community. 
5. Financial implications for operational appropriations: 
- nature of expenditure and methods of calculation -
6.1 The appropriations necessary will form part of future budgets 
within the framework of the financial perspectives 1983-1931 
agreed jointly by the three Institutions in June 1933 and 
their development. 
The estimation of needs until 1992 established within the 
framework of the present financial forecasts for the 
years 1990 to 1332 amounts to_7„5 liSCUs on budget 
line 5--:342 with an additional amount, estimated at 
approximately 21.5 MECUs, tc be financed under the 
European Social Fund within the relevant Community Suppert 
Framework of the Structural Funds. The means to he put 
at the disposal of the programme for the following t**c 
years will be examined in the light of the evolution of 
~"-~ ^• r-^^^< -a* *c'*G'""as*'s 
43 
6.2 The breakdown of the amount to be financed from budget 
line B-6342 is indicated below. 
6.2.1 Strengthening the links between Member States : 
- The setting up of a Community-wide clearing house of learning 
materials may be financed up to 100 % of eligible expenditure 
on budget line B-6342. 
- Transnational study visits will be organised on behalf of 
the Commission by CEDEFOP, the cost of which will be consi­
dered within the annual budget of CEDEFOP. 
The proposed expenditure for the duration of the programme is 
as follows : 
1990 1991 1992 Total 
B 6342(MECUs) 0,1 0,1 0,1 0,3 
6.2.2 Improving the capacity of Member States to maximise the bene­
fits of their participation in EUROTECNET : 
- The establishment of a relevant structure for dissemination 
and animation within each Member State : the Community may 
meet 50 % of this cost to an annual maximum of 60,000 ECUs 
per Member State. 
- Development of model training of trainers actions in the 
Community languages. 
Publishing and distributing the activities and 
the programme in the Community languages. r 3 s u _ t s or 
The proposed expenditure over the duration of the 
follows : programme is as 
1330 I 1991 
3 6342(M£CUs) I 0. 
a nu. 
••**• *•"* 11 *"S i : *- C.-Î- •« - - .-. - r ~ -
for a wider public major icsu^s relating 
iO 
6.2.5 For the technical assistance of the programme 
The proposed expenditure over the duration of the programme is 
as follows : 
6.3 Incidence of appropriation necessary 
Taking account of the need for a relatively smaller su:?, for 
the first year of 2.0 HECUs, it is considered that the annual 
appropriation for future years will gradually rise to 3.0 
MECUs in 1SS2 on budget line B-6342. 
The following breakdown identifies expenditure to be provided 
for on Budget line B-6342. a. mim|jer of; Eur-ô^|aïgtraiming seminagrs, sjfeci|Éise|| colloquia, 
ifcteEJrojecl: e*cj|fcfl||e workshops an^ roun2 taïlas Still be. set 
\^w:a|. a .^«.-j^ji^^ing^tep^Lise^nd tig stcsngta^ning^liiiks 
b^ivetm «ètJKs&i'thê. pro#raa|fe. ; J* % •;•;"•• •; ^-' *V 
r $m «te of aew,t«Milogie3 ia iaf onr1ati«|t pr^i^iftn in fcratîir-
iifewtll l>« *l*fc^|^|ber*àthrough fuppo^ fo4Co^nity 
coopérâtioa-TbetWilitt l^tormatiQ» profideràfe • 
Tht. proposed fxpe*ditur« ov^r. tbi^=4«Tal:ioa of the programme is 
as $f&l4qps : v :jv 
6.2.4 Execution of tne formative tad nnutÉe «valuation of the 
program» 
The proposed expenditure for the duration of the programme is 
as follows : / 
B-4142 tSSOH} it ml 
ï * • • ' • 1*»2| 
i.O 1 ; TOt*l 
2-i 
B-6342 (MECUs) 1990 
0.05 1991 
0.1 1992 
0.1 Total 
0.25 
B-6342 (MECUs) 1990 
0.65 1991 
0.8 1992 
0.8 Total 
2.25 
Couluwt and payment» appropriations B-6342 
J in MECUs 
1 6.2.1 
6.2.2 
1 6.2.3 
I 6.2.4 
| 6.2.5 
[Total" B-6342 1 1990 
0.1 
o.a 
0.4 
0.05 
0.65 
2.0 I 
1991 
0.1 
0.9 
0.6 
0.1 
0.8 
2.5 1 1992 
0.1 
1.0 
1.0 
0.1 
0.8 
3.0 f Total 
0.3 
2.7 
2,0 
0.25 j 
2.25 J 
7.5 ^ I / 
7. Implications for revenue 
There are no implications for revenue. 
8. Type of control 
1. Financial control: by the services responsible in the Commission, 
in regard to the regularity of the expenditure and the implement­
ation of the budget ; 
Scientific and technical control: by the services responsible in 
the Commission, in particular by the Task Force on Human Resources, 
Education, Training and Youth assisted by the Advisory Committee 
for Vocational Training as appropriate. 
9. Financial implications in terms of personnel 
(Part A of the General Budget) 
Personnel necessary from 1990 : 
2 A7/4 : Coordination and control of overall action programme 
implementation and monitoring of evaluation operations 
. 1 B 
. 2 C 
24 
This represents a cost for the Community (Part A of the Commission 
Budget) of 278,000 ECUs over a full year for the total personnel 
necessary as listed above. 
On the basis of the same conditions prevailing in other Community 
programmes, fellows may be seconded from national authorities. 
Personnel requirements indicated above will be fulfilled either 
through internal redeployment or within the framework of the 1990 
budgetary procedure. 
10. Technical Assistance : 
The implementation of- the EUROTECWET programme will require specialist 
expertise in the field of vocational training and technological change 
in order to ensure the balanced development of the programme involving 
all Member States. The expertise required will in particular consist 
of : 
- technical coordination of .the networking arrangements between 
demonstration projects and of the animation and dissemination acti­
vities within Member States ; 
- preparation of information material on the EUROTECNET programme for 
publication and contribution to information activities in all Member 
States including all the translation required for an operation 
involving nine languages ; 
- continuing monitoring of the programme and of related developments 
in Member States ; 
- coordination and execution of research and analytical work carried 
out in the programme ; 
- technical assistance to the Commission regarding preparatory work to 
all Community-level meetings, conferences, seminars and round 
tables. 
iS 
Assessment of impact on SMEs 
Subject: Action Programme in the field of vocational training 
and technological change (EUROTECNET II) 
1. Administrative constraints for enterprises 
There are no administrative constraints governing the parti­
cipation of SMEs in the EUROTECNET actions, since the proce­
dures implemented for the Programme favour the participation 
of SMEs. 
2. Advantages for enterprises 
The nature and aims of the EUROTECNET programme are of 
particular relevance to SMEs. Direct involvement as part of 
a demonstration training project (training consortium) or by 
indirect involvement through a sector would have clear ad­
vantages for enterprises. Via such participation they would 
have access to all of the products of the programme (e.g. 
multimedia training materials, simulated and open training 
courses) and also be continuously updated on technological 
developments as they apply to SMEs and training. Enterprises 
would be in a position to take advantage of the benefits to 
be derived from the future technology training part of the 
programme, thereby becoming better prepared for all the 
ramifications of the Integrated Market. 
3. Disadvantages for enterprises 
No substantative disadvantages exist for enterprises ; 
participation will require an investment in time primarily, 
for which Community financial support will be forthcoming. 
4. Effect on employment 
The possible effects on employment can only be indirect 
insofar as, through or as a result of participation in 
EUROTECNET II projects, SMEs are able to enhance the skill 
level of their personnel in fields crucial for their deve­
lopment . 
5. Consultation with the social partners 
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the Union 
of Confederation of Industry and Employers in Europe (UNICE) 
have been consulted on the future of EUROTECNET and have 
both expressed a very positive view on the Programme. 
*Y 
The Communication will also be submitted to the JBconomic and 
Social Committee, vacate view on the previous paase was 
valuable is that it * reflected the views of the social, 
partners and of tse ecsmœmic sectors. 
6. Alternative approaches 
EUROTECNET IX will be implemented taking into account the 
initiatives already begun at Community level in favour of 
SMEs, in particular within the framework of the follow-up to 
the Council resolution of 14.11.1986. Close articulation 
will be ensured with the different networks implemented for 
developing information transfer, stimulating innovation in 
delivery of training and promoting technology transfer 
through improved Human Resources Development policies and 
practices : DELTA, COMETT, SPRINT and PETRÀ. 
is 
UNANIMOUSOPINION OF THEADVISORY COMMITTEE 
ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING ONTHEEUROTECNET PROGRAMME 
08.12.1988 
1. The Committee received with satisfaction the report 
presented on the activity carried out relating to the 
Resolution of 2 June 1983 and the work which had been 
done relating to new information technologies and 
vocational training under the EUROTECNET programme. 
2. The Committee expressed its agreement on the guidelines 
presented by Commission departments on the continuation 
of the programme and its wish that a EUROTECNEI II 
programme should follow EUROTECNET I. 
3. The Committee stressed the need for a greater cooperation 
between the Member States in respect of the problems of 
vocational training relating to new technologies, the 
mastering of those technologies and the development of 
vocational training strategies. 
In this context special efforts needed to be made with 
regard to small and medium-sized firms on the one 
hand and, on the other hand, those regions where the 
training infrastructure, particularly training in new 
technologies, was still underdeveloped. 
4. The Committee stressed in particular that the guidelines 
for EUROTECNET II should respond to the following 
priorities : 
* The results already achieved by the programme should oe 
exploited to the full with a view to transferring and 
exploiting the training operations which had already 
received support, in particular by emphasizing the needs 
of small and medium-sized firms and the training of 
instructors. 
* EUROTECNET II should put its emphasis on a number of 
strategic sectors and qualifications either in terms of 
retraining or new types of employment or preventive 
action aimed at coping with change. It would therefore be 
important that EUROTECNET II concentrates more on the 
specific needs of these sectors as regards skilled 
training, taking particular account of the need to step 
up equal opportunities for men and women and the needs of 
relatively unskilled workers who are victims or potential 
victims of the upheavals brought about by technological 
change. 
* EUROTECNET II should have as one of its prime aims the 
development and transfer of the products of training. 
This process should concern the exchange and the transfer 
of training projects of an innovatory character both in 
respect of all those taking part in EUROTECNET itself and 
all concerned by training operations and the problems of 
training to cope with technological change. 
zc 
It would be important that EUSOTECNET II takes account of 
the opportunities provided by 'he new information, and 
communications technoloqies, in particular m u i t i :\, G c i a 
u i a r emphasis Gnouid 
i m c d u I £ r character, i. 
as regards the traininq of instructors a-d training s y s t G :•.: s 
training operations of 
t r a i n i lïiU in 
s e p i a c 
the .MES 
It would be important to step up the interaction 
EUROTECNET II -and the other Community programmes, 
these be Community R and B programmes such as 
ESPRIT and RACE, Community operations relating 
transfer of technologies such as, for example, 
Community operations aimed at the SMEs and the bet w e G n 
une t h G r 
co t h e 
SPRINT, 
other 
Community vocational training 
in particular PETRA and COMETT programmes or operations, 
* It would likewise be important to step up coordination at 
national level so that vocational training and 
occupational quarters in all the Member Staes may draw 
greater benefit from the implementation of EUROTECNET II. 
5. The Committee. was of the opinion that active 
participation by the two sides of industry in 
implementation of the programme should be ensured at both 
national and" Community level by a prolongation of the 
joint opinion issued in March 1987 by the two sides of 
industry as part of the Val Duchesse social dialogue. 
6. 
8. The Committee underlined the need to provide for more 
active relations between EUROTECNET II and the guidelines 
for the structural funds, especially as regards Community 
^jipport given to the innovatory operations backed by the 
t^^'ean Social Fund. 
The CommilTtN^o attached great importance to a continuing 
assessment andNs^^onitoring of the programme and called on 
the Commission toN^t up the necessary machinery when the 
programe was implemen 
The Committee took the v~i>« that EUROTECNET II should be 
provided with resources commensurate with the programme's 
aims and objectives and the operations which the 
Commission proposed. 
i* 


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