Beyond Traditional Governance Actors in VET Policy Transfer: An Analysis of Fundación Bertelsmann's Role as a Policy Entrepreneur in Dual VET Adoption in Spain
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| Title: | Beyond Traditional Governance Actors in VET Policy Transfer: An Analysis of Fundación Bertelsmann's Role as a Policy Entrepreneur in Dual VET Adoption in Spain |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Luis Martínez-Izquierdo, Mónica Torres-Sánchez |
| Source: | International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training. 2026 13(2):261-286. |
| Availability: | European Educational Research Association / European Research Network Vocational Education and Training.Am Fallturm 1, Bremen, 28359, Germany. Tel: +49-421-218-66336; Fax: +49-421-218-98-66336; e-mail: ijrvet@uni-bremen.de; Web site: http://www.ijrvet.net |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 26 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Career and Technical Education, Educational Policy, Technology Transfer, Apprenticeships, Policy Formation, Governance, Program Implementation, Entrepreneurship, Pilot Projects |
| Geographic Terms: | Spain |
| ISSN: | 2197-8638 2197-8646 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: After the Great Recession and under European Union (EU) pressure, Spain began to adopt and expand Dual Vocational Education and Training (VET), starting with Royal Decree 1529/2012, which set its legal framework and gave Autonomous Communities control over its implementation. This process led to Organic Law 3/2022, which made Dual VET the national standard. Along the way, foundations outside formal governance structures, like Fundación Bertelsmann, became active promoters of Dual VET. This article analyses the foundation's role in advancing these policies and its interactions with other VET governance actors. Methods: The research adopts Reflexive Thematic Analysis to analyze qualitative data from various sources. These include grey literature produced by Fundación Bertelsmann, testimonies before the Education and Vocational Training Commission regarding the forthcoming Organic Law on the Regulation and Integration of Vocational Training, and semi-structured interviews. The interviews involved senior representatives from the foundation and stakeholders from Spain's central, Andalusian, and Basque VET governance. Findings: The findings show how Fundación Bertelsmann positioned itself as an actor in the transfer of Dual VET to Spain. This involved a clear strategic vision, the use of pilot projects as its main way of operating, and the creation of alliances with established governance actors. Its work focused on three areas: Supporting implementation, promoting the Spanish model and the concept of duality, and producing practical publications. While business organizations praised these efforts, other actors (especially governments and unions) were more skeptical, even if they acknowledged the value of certain activities such as advisory services and guide development. Conclusion: Fundación Bertelsmann has played the role of a policy entrepreneur in the process of adopting Dual VET in Spain. There is no detailed evidence of another nationally autonomous foundation taking on a similar role. However, the work of this foundation parallels that of development aid agencies, organizations, and foundations from Central Europe or directed from this region in the processes of Dual VET adoption on a global scale. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506194 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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