HUB4Ts
Strategic Hub for the Workplace
of Tomorrow´s SMEs
HUB4Ts is a planned Innovation Alliance project. This website has served as an internal communication platform for project partners during the drafting phase. In the event of project approval, the site will be redesigned and re-launched to provide information about the established Strategic Hub for the Workplace of Tomorrow’s SMEs and its ongoing activities.
HUB4Ts: Shaping the Future of SMEs and Vocational Education in Europe
HUB4Ts, Strategic Hub for the Workplace of Tomorrow’s SMEs, addresses three structural barriers to Europe’s competitiveness: low SME capacity to adopt AI and digital tools, growing pressure to meet green transition requirements, and persistent weaknesses in recruiting, developing and retaining talent in diverse and multi-generational workplaces.
Through an Innovation Alliance of 12 partners from 8 countries, including business chambers, VET providers, universities and European networks, the project builds a durable cooperation structure between education, training and the labour market, strengthening innovation capacity through skills development.
The project will deliver this through a staged, evidence-based approach. It will generate transnational skills intelligence through a 500-enterprise survey, 25 stakeholder interviews, and Delphi-based future-workplace scenarios. This evidence will directly shape the design of the project outputs. The consortium will develop, test and validate a portfolio of VET, HE and SME support offers, including an Education for Sustainable Development curriculum, a Train-the-Trainer programme, six AI and digital upskilling courses, three dual bachelor modules creating stronger VET-to-HE pathways, a multilingual AI Toolbox, a modern HR management programme, workplace innovation coaching and a Future Entrepreneurs programme.
All outputs are aligned with EU transparency and quality tools, including EQF, ESCO and Europass Digital Credentials where applicable. The reach goes far beyond the consortium itself: through the extensive SME and intermediary network of PP1 and the 500+ HE institutions connected through PP9, HUB4Ts can transfer results across many institutions and countries beyond the formal partnership.
By project end, the Hub will connect the 12 founding partners with at least 20 additional member organisations and provide a practical platform for continuation, transfer and long-term skills development.
HUB4Ts Project Partners
PP1
Hanse-Parlament (HP)
Germany
PP2
Stiftung Mittelstand – Gesellschaft – Verantwortung (Stiftung MGV)
Germany
PP3
Hamburger Institut für Berufsbildung (HIBB)
Germany
PP4
Institut für angewandte Gewerbeforschung (IGAF)
Austria
PP5
DEPARTAMENTO DE EDUCACIÓN DEL GOBIERNO VASCO (TKNIKA)
Spain
PP6
Latvian University (LU)
Latvia
PP7
Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)
Latvia
PP8
Pomeranian University in Slupsk (UPSL)
Poland
PP9
EURASHE
Belgium
PP10
Mechanical and Logistics School Complex in Slupsk (ZSMIIL)
Poland
PP11
Chamber of Commerce Heraklion (HCCI)
Greece
PP12
Magnetar
Cyprus
HUB4Ts Work Packages
This work package ensures the effective coordination, financial management, and quality assurance of the project. It establishes the Strategic Hub for the Workplace of Tomorrow, which will expand from 12 to at least 32 institutions by the end of the project.
Results
- D1.1 Quality assurance concept and quality plans
- D1.2 Establishment of strategic hub
WP2 conducts research on future workforce needs, mapping digitalization, AI, and sustainability trends to guide SME and education sector adaptation.
Results
- D2.1 Report on future workplace trends for SMEs
- D2.2 Scenarios and models for the working world of tomorrow and Strategic roadmap and policy recommendations
P3 develops modernized vocational training curricula, incorporating AI-driven learning, dual-study modules, and sustainability education.
Results
- D3.1 Concept ESD for the workplace of tomorrow
- D3.2 Train-the-Trainer Program for teachers, lecturers and SME supervisors
- D3.3 Further Training courses
- D3.4 Modules for dual bachelor study courses
This work package focuses on SME leadership training, HR strategies, and AI adoption, helping businesses adapt to workplace transformation.
Results
- D4.1 Tool box AI for Education and SMEs
- D4.2 Modern HR management for SMEs with implementation reports
- D4.3 Coaching programme for SMEs with implementation reports
- D4.4 Programme for future entrepreneurs with implementation reports
WP5 ensures the scaling, transferability, and long-term sustainability of HUB4Ts results across Europe.
Results
- D5.1 Enlargement of strategic hub with at least 25 organisations
- D5.2 Manual with all project results
- D5.3 Concept and results of transfer and implementation counselling and further measures
Background
The Innovation Alliance HUB4Ts (Strategic Hub for the Workplace of Tomorrow for SMEs) addresses addresses structural shifts in the European workforce, particularly in SMEs, through workplace innovation, AI-driven education, and sustainability-focused training. The initiative seeks to close digital and AI skill gaps, realign vocational education with labor market needs, and integrate sustainability principles into workforce training. The project aligns closely with EU policies such as the European Green Deal, AI and Digital Competitiveness Strategies, and the European Education Area Framework.
List of relevant documents :
1. European Commission Work Programme 2025 (Bolder, Simpler, Faster Union)
Summary:
This policy document sets the EU’s economic, educational, and workforce priorities for 2025. It highlights:
- AI and digital transformation as key economic drivers.
- Addressing workforce shortages through upskilling.
- Supporting SMEs in adopting innovation and sustainability.
- Creating an inclusive, future-ready workforce.
Relevance to HUB4Ts:
HUB4Ts aligns directly with these EU priorities by:
- Bridging the SME skills gap in AI and digitalization.
- Preparing SMEs for green business models and workforce sustainability.
- Enhancing education-industry collaboration for future-ready skills.
2. CEDEFOP Skills and AI Report
Summary:
CEDEFOP’s AI and Skills Policy Brief discusses the impact of AI on European labor markets, emphasizing:
- Growing demand for AI and digital skills across industries.
- The risk of job displacement due to automation.
- The need for continuous workforce upskilling to adapt to AI-driven changes.
- The importance of integrating AI into vocational education curricula.
Relevance to HUB4Ts:
HUB4Ts directly addresses these challenges by:
- Embedding AI training into VET and SME upskilling programs.
- Preparing SMEs for AI adoption and automation.
- Ensuring no workforce segment is left behind in the digital transformation.
This report validates HUB4Ts’ focus on AI skills development and future workforce training strategies.
Download PDF3. EC 2025 Competitive Compass
Summary:
This EU document focuses on Europe’s economic competitiveness and innovation strategy. Key themes:
- Closing the innovation gap through skills and education.
- Fostering AI, digital, and green competencies for SME resilience.
- Strengthening Europe’s position in high-tech industries.
Relevance to HUB4Ts:
HUB4Ts supports the EU’s competitive strategy by:
- Developing AI and green economy talent pipelines.
- Helping SMEs integrate digital tools and automation.
- Aligning VET and higher education curricula with labor market needs.
4. OECD 2025 Trends Shaping Education
Summary:
This report identifies global megatrends affecting education and workforce development, such as:
- The rise of AI and automation.
- The growth of green jobs and sustainability-driven careers.
- The need for lifelong learning and upskilling.
Relevance to HUB4Ts:
HUB4Ts mirrors OECD recommendations by:
- Embedding AI and green skills training into vocational education.
- Developing innovative education-to-work transition pathways.
- Ensuring inclusive workforce policies for SMEs.
5. Strategic Framework for Education & Training (2021-2030)
Summary:
This EU policy framework emphasizes:
- Inclusivity, digitalization, and sustainability in education.
- Bridging skills gaps in AI and sustainability.
- Strengthening vocational and lifelong learning models.
Relevance to HUB4Ts:
HUB4Ts operationalizes these goals by:
- Modernizing SME training programs for AI and digital upskilling.
- Enhancing education-industry collaboration.
- Driving sustainability-driven workforce innovation.