Results - COOPERA

The first work package focused on establishing the foundations for the effective implementation of the COOPERA project. It ensured that all partners were aligned and prepared to carry out the planned activities. As part of this stage, the coordinating team participated in the Grant Holder Coordinators Meeting, where the overall management framework and requirements of the Erasmus+ Programme were clarified. A detailed Project Handbook was developed to provide partners with practical guidance on procedures, responsibilities, and timelines. In addition, partnership agreements were elaborated and signed, formalising the commitments of all institutions involved.

Another crucial element of WP1 was the identification of companies’ needs related to Dual Higher Education (DHE). To achieve this, surveys were carried out across different sectors, gathering insights into expectations, skills gaps, and specific requirements of employers. The results were compiled into a comprehensive report, which served as a key reference for designing the Dual Higher Education Models and aligning them with labour market demands.

The second work package concentrated on creating a flexible framework for Dual Higher Education, tailored to the specific contexts of Moldova and Ukraine. To achieve this, dedicated working groups were established, fostering close collaboration between project partners. A series of study visits to leading universities in the European Union – in Poland, Spain, Germany, and Bulgaria – provided valuable opportunities to exchange expertise and learn from best practices in the field of DHE.

In addition, three editions of the COOPERA Expert Workshop were organised, bringing together academics, employers, and policymakers to jointly shape the model. The insights and experiences gathered throughout these activities resulted in the development of a comprehensive, flexible, and generic Dual Higher Education Model (DHEM), designed to meet the diverse needs of employers, higher education institutions, and students across different sectors.

Study Visits and Seminars : 

• Study Visit to WSB University, POLAND | 25-29 October 2021
• Study Visit to University Lleida, SPAIN | 8-12 November 2021
• Online Seminar / Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University / GERMANY/ 28 January 2022
• Study Visit to Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University / GERMANY / 3-4 May 2022
• Study Visit to Varna University of Management / BULGARIA / 29 May-02 June 2022
• Study visit to the University of Lleida / SPAIN / 11-15 March 2024

Organisation of COOPERA Expert Workshop :

• COOPERA Expert workshop - edition 1
• COOPERA Expert workshop - edition 2
• COOPERA Expert workshop - edition 3

The third work package focused on establishing the legal and regulatory foundations necessary for the effective introduction of Dual Higher Education in Moldova and Ukraine. To coordinate this effort, a National Policy Task Force Group (NPTFG) was created, bringing together key stakeholders and policymakers.

One of the group’s most significant achievements was the preparation of a White Paper on Dual Higher Education, which served as a strategic document outlining the vision, challenges, and opportunities for implementing DHE

Recommendations for amendments to the Law on Higher Education secured :

• Recommendations for amendments to the Law on Higher Education/ Moldova
• Recommendations for amendments to the Law on Higher Education/ Ukraine

Guidelines on DHE implementation elaborated :

• Guidelines on Dual Higher Education implementation/ Moldova
• Guidelines on Dual Higher Education implementation/ Ukraine

This work package marked the transition from planning to practice by putting the developed Dual Higher Education Model (DHEM) into real-life application. Dual Study Programs were carefully identified, designed, and formalised through agreements with partner institutions and companies. To support implementation, training materials were created and essential equipment was procured, ensuring that institutions were fully prepared to deliver high-quality programmes.

The pilot programmes were then launched at participating universities, with continuous stakeholder feedback playing a central role. This evidence-based approach guaranteed that the testing phase was closely aligned with the actual needs of students, companies, and higher education institutions, while also providing valuable insights for further refinement of the model.

Programme:

• Identification and conceptual definition of Dual Study Programs
• Development of training materials
• Piloting of Dual Study Programs
• Securing stakeholders feedback on Dual Study Programs

Ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the project was the core focus of this work package. A comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system was established, beginning with the elaboration of a Monitoring and Evaluation Manual, which provided clear procedures for assessing progress and outcomes. Regular monitoring visits were conducted across partner institutions, resulting in detailed internal evaluation reports that tracked achievements and identified areas for improvement.

In addition, external evaluation reports were prepared, complemented by an independent audit report, to guarantee transparency and accountability. Based on the findings, fine-tuning of procedures and regulations was carried out, ensuring that the implementation of Dual Higher Education was not only consistent with the project’s objectives but also met the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Programme:

• Elaboration of monitoring and evaluation manual

This work package focused on maximising the visibility, impact, and long-term benefits of the COOPERA project. An international dissemination campaign was launched, guided by a comprehensive plan covering dissemination, exploitation, and sustainability, and supported by the creation of the project’s identity materials and website.

At the national level, mass-media campaigns promoted the project’s achievements, while universities organised events and institutional communication activities to engage students, faculty, and local stakeholders. Regular dissemination and sustainability reports, including annual updates from 2021 to 2024, tracked the reach and effectiveness of these activities.

To ensure long-term use of project outputs, exploitation reports were prepared, highlighting ways to integrate project results into institutional practice. The work package culminated in the COOPERA Final Conference, which brought together all partners and stakeholders to showcase achievements, share lessons learned, and discuss future directions for Dual Higher Education in Moldova and Ukraine.

Programme:

• Defining dissemination, exploitation and sustainability plan
• Preparation of exploitation report
• Organization of Final Conference

Dissemination and Sustainability reports secured :

• Annual Dissemination Report –  14.01.2021 - 14.01.2022
• Annual Dissemination Report –  15.01.2022 - 14.01.2023
• Annual Dissemination Report –  15.01.2023 - 14.01.2024
• Annual Dissemination Report –  15.01.2024 - 14.08.2024

This work package ensured the smooth and efficient overall management of the COOPERA project. Daily project management activities were conducted to coordinate tasks, monitor progress, and support partner institutions throughout the implementation period.

A series of Consortium and Steering Committee meetings provided structured platforms for decision-making, strategic planning, and resolving any challenges that arose during the project. In total, six Consortium meetings and four Steering Committee meetings were held, enabling partners to stay aligned and maintain effective collaboration.

Finally, the project’s progress and outcomes were formally documented through the preparation and submission of interim and final reports to the European Commission, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with Erasmus+ programme requirements.

Steering Committee meetings :

• 1st Consortium meeting
• 2nd Consortium meeting
• 3rd Consortium meeting
• 1st Steering Committee meeting
• 4th Consortium Meeting
• 2nd Steering Committee meeting
• 5th Consortium meeting
• 6th Consortium meeting
• 3rd Steering Committee meeting
• 4th Steering Committee meeting