Project Overview
CRAFT-VET is a transformative vocational education project aimed at revitalizing Albania’s artisanal and craft sector by bridging traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation, smart manufacturing, and circular economy principles. While Albania has a rich heritage in crafts such as woodworking, filigree jewelry, stone carving, and textiles, the sector faces declining youth engagement, outdated training practices, limited digital skills, and weak access to international markets.
The project addresses these challenges by modernizing VET programs and equipping artisans and learners with future-ready skills that combine heritage preservation with economic competitiveness.
Project Objectives
- Modernize craft-related VET curricula through digital and smart manufacturing tools
- Equip artisans and students with entrepreneurial and market-oriented skills
- Integrate circular economy and zero-waste production principles into craft education
- Strengthen international recognition and protection of Albanian crafts
- Increase youth participation and employability in the craft sector
Key Components & Activities
Smart Craft Labs
CRAFT-VET establishes Smart Craft Labs in VET schools, enabling hands-on learning in:
- 3D modeling and digital design
- Smart manufacturing processes
- Blockchain-based product certification
Digital Market Access
A dedicated digital craft marketplace is developed, allowing artisans and learners to:
- Showcase and sell products to EU and global markets
- Improve branding, storytelling, and customer engagement
Circular Economy & Sustainability
Training focuses on zero-waste production methods and sustainable material use, embedding circular economy principles into artisanal production.
Legal Protection & Certification
The project promotes Geographical Indication (GI) certification, strengthening legal protection and international competitiveness of Albanian crafts.
Our Role
A & I Services & Consulting contributes as a project partner by:
- Supporting implementation and coordination activities
- Contributing to strategic planning and sustainability measures
- Supporting dissemination and stakeholder engagement
- Ensuring alignment with market, policy, and entrepreneurship needs
Expected Results & Impact
- Modernized and market-oriented craft VET programs
- Increased income and business opportunities for artisans
- Improved access to international markets
- Stronger protection and recognition of Albanian crafts
- Sustainable integration of tradition, technology, and entrepreneurship
Sustainability & Long-Term Vision
CRAFT-VET ensures long-term impact through:
- Institutionalization of Smart Craft Labs
- Ongoing access to digital platforms and marketplaces
- Strong cross-border knowledge transfer and capacity building
Consortium & Partners
The CRAFT-VET consortium brings together VET institutions, research centers, private enterprises, and civil society organizations from the region:
- University Mother Teresa of Skopje (Coordinator)
- Eurotraining Educational Organization
- Research Innovation and Development Lab (ReadLab P.C.)
- Ministry of Economy and Innovation
- A & I Services & Consulting
- Group for Integration and Democracy
