The key objective of the project was to foster digital transformation within the construction sector by developing and implementing key performance indicators (KPIs) to enhance productivity across Balkan. We aimed to address the sector's need for modernization through the adoption of digital tools and practices, facilitating a smoother transition to a more efficient and technologically advanced industry. 2 years ago, before the project started, the construction sector in Slovenia, Croatia, and North Macedonia faced significant challenges, including low levels of digital maturity, fragmented approaches to digital adoption, and a lack of standardized metrics for assessing digital performance. To address these shortcomings, we aimed to: -Enhance Digital Maturity -Develop KPIs -Promote Digital Skills -Facilitate & Encourage Stakeholder Collaboration Its overarching goal was to create a sustainable and scalable framework for digital innovation in the construction industry, ultimately contributing to increased competitiveness and productivity at both national and EU levels. It also sought to capitalise on the strengths of two new project partners, HGK and ECNM.The introduction of these to the E+ programme aimed to build their capacity.
We applied because we are part of the EU umbrella organization FIEC, in which several working groups are being set up to discuss key sectoral priorities, trends, situation and issues related to working paper MULTIANNUAL WORKING PROGRAMME FOR EU SOCIAL DIALOGUE (2020-2022) approved by all members. In the latter, some activities are focused on VET. One of the thematic VET priorities is to contribute to the green and digital transitions and support the construction sector in these transitions, promote vocational and education training, and adapt training systems to digitalization and other technological developments. The new skills requirements for the workforce in terms of technology and digitalization highlight the need to upskill the workforce and also to train young people to future-proof the industry. Curricula and training need to be adapted to the reality of construction sites, where the use of digital tools and equipment will continue to increase. We needed to take action to raise awareness of this issue across less developed Balkan areas, identify specific targeted initiatives and mobilize national decision-makers to support the adoption of the digital transformation process +We attracted 2 newcomers in the E+ partnership.