Florence Unit

The University of Florence research unit will explore models that foster the contribution of stakeholders and collaborative networks to improve employability systems in HE. The specific study by Florence University will be dedicated to analysis of the contribution of networks and the partnership between HE and stakeholders to strengthen employability processes and their learning outcomes. It entails analysis of the strategies, tools and devices that allow the construction of networks between the HE paths and stakeholders, in order to favour positive transitions. University of Florence Unit research question is: what kind of strategies, devices and tools foster strategic networking and partnerships for employability? Therefore, the focus of the research is on the competencies of the professionals called upon to promote and support positive transitions in the pedagogical perspective of employability. The latter is interpreted critically and pedagogically as a process concept, not simply as a goal or educational outcome (Boffo et al. 2019; Small at al. 2018). The research objects are the institutional and formal places where networking is built (i.e., course steering committees), but also informal contexts in which there is a relationship between the labour market and university (internship activities, specific training actions, etc.). The research question will be addressed using a methodology connected to the general one, following a mixed-method strategy (Trinchero, Robasto 2019). The analysis will focus on the multilevel and multi-stakeholder perspective and the triangulation of data sources (Ponce, Pagàn-Maldonato, 2015). The research process includes:

A. A systematic review of the research that has studied methodologies for the design and co-design of actions that develop the core competencies, based on networking and with a view to employability.

B. An analysis of the discourses in the formal documents that reconstruct the networking processes within each degree course (SUA, reports, minutes, etc.) and the comparison of this analysis with the general matrix identified in WP2. Drafting of an interview protocol for the networking actors.

C. Fieldwork: interview with 10 key informants from among the professional figures and organizations involved in networking.

The main output of this specific phase of the research project is the development of guidelines for:

• building effective networking to foster the employability of students;

• designing and co-designing actions to sustain core competencies for employability in networking and partnership settings.