By Florian Linscheid (DHBW Karlsruhe)
This article is a follow-up to the previous article on the same topic.
Technology. Research. Innovation.
These three dimensions form the foundation of the newly developed TRIComp Framework – a competence-based model designed to strengthen applied innovation capabilities in technical professions at levels 5 and 6 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
TRIComp responds to the evolving demands of vocational education and the European labour market. It also introduces a new role concept that reflects this transformation: the TRI Professional.
Why a New Framework – and a New Professional Role?
Technical professionals are at the centre of profound transformations. The convergence of digitalisation, the green transition, and innovation pressure demands new, cross-cutting competences. Traditional training models often fall short in preparing learners for these complex challenges.
The TRIComp Framework provides a structured response: a modular, future-oriented competence model that reflects real-world demands and aligns educational processes with European strategic priorities – particularly in curriculum development, continuing education, and the strategic planning of technical competences in industry.
At the same time, our research led us to define a new professional identity: TRI Professionals – Shaping the Future of Technical Work. Whereas technical roles used to be defined by execution and operational expertise, today’s professionals must co-create, innovate, and drive transformation. That’s why we introduce this new term: TRI Professionals – acting at the intersection of Technology, Research & Innovation.
Research Basis
The framework builds on three complementary sources of evidence:
- 150 responses from a Europe-wide online survey
- 12 guided interviews with experts from education, research, and industry
- A systematic analysis of key EU reference frameworks, including GreenComp, DigComp, and NextSkills
Three central findings emerged across all data sources:
- Soft skills are essential: Communication, adaptability, collaboration, and self-directed learning are foundational competences for the future.
- Digital and green transformation are inseparable: Sustainability requires digital tools – and digital innovation must be designed with ecological responsibility in mind.
- Applied research and systems thinking are gaining importance: Technical problem-solving calls for new mindsets: interdisciplinary, reflective, and forward-looking.
The Four Competence Areas of the TRIComp Framework
The TRIComp Framework is structured into four overarching competence areas: innovation, digitalisation, management, and the green transition.
The image above shows the TRIComp Framework – the competence model that forms the foundation for developing TRI Professionals: Future Skills for Applied Innovation in Technical Professions.
Practical applications
The framework is currently being prepared for use in two pilot projects:
- In Italy (EQF level 5)
- In France (EQF level 6)
In both cases, existing HVET curricula will be enhanced with TRIComp components. This marks the transition from conceptual development to practical application.
Target groups
TRIComp is designed for:
- Vocational and higher vocational education institutions
- Companies – especially in technology-driven sectors – aiming to future-proof their workforce
- Education policymakers at regional, national, and European level
What’s next?
TRIComp is not the final step – it is a starting point. The next project phases will include:
- A full overview of all 22 competences with short descriptions
- Visual tools, pedagogical resources, and curriculum examples
Stay tuned for updates as we progress in this project!
For a full overview of the TRIComp Framework, download the Work Package 2 report here