Technical innovation for sustainable development and an equitable green economic transition (Green Skills Training)

The INNOTEC project seeks to strengthen green competences in public technical training, improving the employability of male and female students by connecting them with sustainable enterprises supported by Swisscontact in Bolivia.
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La Paz, Bolivia
-16.489689
-68.11929359999999
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Santa Cruz, Bolivia
-17.798072
-63.1925079
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Potosí, Bolivia
-19.5722805
-65.7550063
Project duration
2024 - 2026
Financed by
  • Lichtensteinischer Entwicklungsdienst (LED)

Improvements in technical training in Bolivia, have included changes in educational assistance, teacher training and coordination with companies, but there could be more improvement in sustainable approaches. The INNOTEC project promotes green skills to improve training and support equitable and fair transition in the economy. Selected technical institutes will receive equipment and incentives to innovate in areas such as renewable energy, electric mobility and solid waste management. The implementation of these innovations will enable students to acquire skills relevant to the job market and local environmental needs. In addition, practical solutions will be presented at business conferences in the departments of Santa Cruz and La Paz.

El proyecto

The key sectors of the project are solid waste management, electric mobility and renewable energy. We will work with the Ministry of Education and six technical institutes to provide 1,500 young people with access to technical training and professional experience, focused on sustainable development. 

Furthermore, 231 teachers will be trained to promote green innovations, and 280 workers in small businesses will improve their skills. The institutes will implement plans to reduce water and energy consumption, promote recycling and proper waste management. The creation of new businesses that include green competencies will also be promoted.

The collaboration between the business sectors and the Technical Training Institutes (TTIs) in Bolivia, needs a boost. Currently, these links are fragile and do not address crucial issues such as environmental sustainability and the creation of green jobs. 

This situation arises, in large part, from a lack of information and a shortage of personnel trained in green proficiencies. To move towards a more sustainable future, it is critical that ITTs improve their management and adopt sustainable practices. This includes updating their curricula and encouraging research and innovation in sustainability. 

By integrating green skills into their educational offers, ITTs will not only enhance the education of their students, but also create more opportunities in employment and self-employment. The strategy of linking up with green businesses will enable the ITTs to become key players in the production chain. 

In addition, initiatives in waste management, renewable energy and electric mobility will be promoted. This will directly benefit students who will acquire these skills and gain access to the labor market. Green business managers and teachers will also indirectly benefit from this approach.

Project objectives

“Contribute to sustainable development and the fair and equitable green transition of productive activities through technological technical training that improves green skills, fosters equality and promotes increased employment/self-employment opportunities for vulnerable populations.” 

Impact indicator:  

  • 60% of women (1,500) and men which have graduated from enhanced education and training have increased their income through access to salaried employment/self-employment. 
  • 1 public policy proposal for the development of green competencies with a gender equality approach is taken up by the Vice Ministry of Higher Education and Vocational Training (VESFP) of the Ministry of Education (ME). 

Project partner

  • Ministry of Education

Expected results

Outcome 1: Productive sector actors and specialists in sustainable innovations drive improvements in education and training for green transition and sustainability of productive activities. Indicators:

  • 6 roundtable dialogues are established between ITTs, productive sectors and specialists in green innovations, with work agendas implemented.
  • 50 business goals are identified between graduates/trained in green competencies and those responsible for green business in the productive sector.

Outcome 2: Technical Technological Institutes (ITTs) improve their educational offer based on the development of green competencies and green transition practices. Indicators:

  • At least 6 innovations in recycling, electric mobility and renewable energy tested in ITTs.
  • 100% of ITTs improve their management to promote green transition, training 400 people (40% women) in careers/courses with green competencies.