Educational Technology as a Catalyst for Sustainable Energy Training: The Strategic Framework of the Portuguese Center of Vocational Excellence

This article presents the design and implementation of a strategic sustainability framework for the Portuguese Center of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in Sustainable Energy (SECoVE), coordinated by the Polytechnic Institute of Porto. The initiative aims to strengthen regional capacity and interinstitutional cooperation among universities, vocational education providers, industry, and public actors, promoting green skills, applied innovation, and collaborative governance within the energy transition ecosystem. Based on an evidence-based situational and ecosystem analysis, including SWOT analysis and stakeholder mapping, the study identifies key internal and external drivers shaping the CoVE’s strategic development and its contribution to sustainable regional transformation. A distinctive feature of SECoVE is the integration of educational and immersive technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and interactive digital learning environments, supporting the development of high-quality, technology-enhanced educational programs in sustainable energy. The proposed strategic framework defines four interrelated objectives: strengthening technical and green qualifications aligned with national and European agendas; establishing SECoVE as a hub for applied research and innovation; expanding strategic partnerships among education, industry, and public actors; and ensuring a diversified and resilient financial structure. The study contributes to the academic debate on the Centers of Vocational Excellence as catalysts for the green and digital transitions.