The Feasibility Study & Concept Design for the "Challenge Fund" Project in Western Balkans provided preparatory work for a possible VET fund bringing together VET providers and companies in the Western Balkan region. The fund is expected to be launched in a total of six WB countries (Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia). The consultancy assignment included both a Feasibility Study and as well as a Concept Design. The major activities included:

• Characterization of and policy recommendations for main stakeholders (VET providers, companies, students, involved institutions)
• Options for a competitive application approach: Partnerships between VET providers and companies with sound and innovative proposals are a condition to the awarding of funds
• In-depth analysis of current and upcoming labor market trends
• VET sector analysis
• Grant design proposals taking into account a variety of scenarios
• Proposals for promotion of regional and cross-border cooperation of TVET institutions, private companies