On September 17, 2020, the third milestone meeting in the research project “Diffusion of digital technologies in vocational education and training through learning location cooperation (DiBBLok)” project took place. The Leipzig subproject of the Fraunhofer IMW (Professional Development and Competence Management Unit) hosted the meeting comprised of the extended project group in the conference rooms of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Leipzig.

Current results and work statuses from the subprojects of all participating joint partners from Dresden and Leipzig were presented and discussed in a joint exchange with the DiBBLok project advisory board. This advisory board includes representatives of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), the Information, Communication and Media Center (IKMZ) of the Brandenburg Technical University (BTU) Cottbus-Senftenberg, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Dresden and the Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (f-bb) from Nuremberg. The focus of the expert discussions was the current system of indicators for investigating the conditions for successful digitization in vocational education and training and its relevance for all subprojects. The second central topic of discussion was the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on project activities, in particular on the design of the qualitative case studies at companies and vocational schools. Project activities did not come to a standstill due to the foresighted and flexible action of the project partners in the form of situational adjustments of methods, design and timelines. On the contrary, the opportunity to break new ground at short notice in collaboration (use of digital communication channels) and with the case study partners was successfully exploited.

The researchers of the Professional Development and Competence Management Unit would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the event.