Flexible Pathways for Modernisation of Undergraduate Engineering Programmes by Country-Adapted Implementation of the Practice- Integrated Dual Study Model in Bulgaria and Romania

Abstract The paper addresses the need for more flexible routes for acquiring current industry-related skills necessary to boost and sustain innovation in the sectors identified by the national strategies of Smart Specialisation and regional innovation in Bulgaria and Romania. For this purpose, regular practical phases in enterprises were integrated in the ongoing engineering curricula to accelerate the update of knowledge traditionally provided by higher education institutions. The paper presents a summary of the feasibility study conducted to identify the transferability of a county-adapted model of dual higher education in Bulgaria and Romania. Consequently, the approaches of curriculum adaptation followed by the implementing universities in both countries are briefly described. Finally, the paper discusses the outcomes and provides an outlook for future development of the dual study model in Bulgaria and Romania.