Improving regional policies to better support regional hydrogen education

The development of a green h2 economy in the region necessitates professionals with knowledge and skills in this area. However, regional educational institutions often lack guidance and knowledge about how to start education on h2. The fact that green h2 is an emerging technology makes it especially difficult: not only there is a lack of experts of the field, but much of the knowledge area is still in development. In addition, matching the needs of the work field is difficult, because h2 technology develops so fast that the developed curricula get dated before these are approved. The regional authority could play a role by incentivizing development of regional education in h2 by supporting the matchmaking between the educational institutions, businesses, industry and governmental agencies, by establishing closer collaboration between stakeholders in the regions, and by supporting the leadership of educational institution in coordinating the development of h2 education.

The proposed pilot action will test a new approach of public intervention aiming at initiation and development of regional education in the field of h2 economy and applications that is currently is implemented in the three provinces of Northern Netherlands. It will implement elements of the good practice “Collaboration in H2 education for stronger hydrogen economy”, reported by ALP01 and published on UNLOCK-project webpage, which serves as inspiration. This good practice emphasizes importance of collaboration, partnerships and coordination in initiation and development of education at different levels: vocational, university, and advanced professional. Collaboration among businesses, social organizations, knowledge institutions, and governments ensures the quality and relevance of educational programs, aligning them with regional needs and ensuring sustainability beyond subsidy periods.