Islands and innovation: training and sustainability for the future

Tuesday 21 April 2026

Islands are generally defined as territories bounded by maritime borders, characterised by unique natural conditions and cultural distinctiveness. In recent decades, these territories have undergone profound changes due to three interlinked factors: the transformation of transport, digitalisation and the green transition, which have expanded economic opportunities by fostering new sectors.

Although these changes offer new financial and professional opportunities, significant challenges remain. Issues such as youth emigration, shortcomings in digital infrastructure and increased exposure to the effects of climate change are having a profound impact on labour markets and younger generations, with the most severe consequences falling on those with fewer resources and opportunities.

In response to these challenges, OVER-SEES aims to strengthen and modernise vocational education and training systems in the European Union’s island regions. The main objective is to bridge the gap between schools and businesses by supporting people under the age of 35 in developing skills related to the green and digital transitions, which are becoming increasingly central to the global economy.

We are currently running four rounds of strategic workshops. These discussions involve students, teaching staff, representatives from the private sector and policy-makers, and enable us to gather data and perspectives that help us understand how young people perceive career opportunities in innovative sectors. The activities include programmes that combine career guidance, technical training and work-based learning, in collaboration with local organisations.

The initiative connects various European island regions, from the Azores to the Aegean Islands, promoting skills upskilling processes in the sectors of sustainable agriculture, marine renewable energy, rural tourism and digitalisation. Direct dialogue with the people and organisations involved enables us to understand the role of vocational training in developing career paths that align with local needs and to provide concrete responses to regional Smart Specialisation Strategies.

OVER-SEES offers practical pathways aimed at strengthening people’s autonomy and decision-making capacity, with a particular focus on those in vulnerable situations. It is important to encourage people to remain in their home regions, to harness their potential and to offer them opportunities there, thereby supporting island communities that are more resilient, inclusive and active in the ecological transition.

The future of our islands is being shaped in the present, through a balance between promoting the local area and fostering innovation. Encouraging the right skills means making it possible to choose to stay without sacrificing professional fulfillment, transforming the challenges of island life into opportunities for shared growth.

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Contact Alice Salerno: alice.salerno@cesie.org or contact Simona Sglavo simona.sglavo@cesie.org

About OVER-SEES

Frameworked as an Erasmus+ KA2 initiative, the OVER-SEES: VET Excellence Leadership for the Twin Transition in European Islands project brings together a solid consortium of 17 beneficiaries and 14 associated partners from the Azores, the West Region of Ireland, the Aegean Islands, and Sicily. The goal is to establish a model of excellence in vocational training to accelerate Smart Specialisation (S3) activities associated with the green and digital transition.