The region matters—for whom? The regional actor network for vocational education and training in tourism of Cancún (Mexico)

Abstract

Actor networks are relevant to provide vocational education and training. Many studies have focused on such networks without a clear regional focus. Suggesting a conceptual approach of regional actor networks based on contributions of business education and economic geography, this study analyses the regional actor network in the tourism sector in Cancún (Mexico). Methodologically, the study follows an exploratory qualitative approach. The results illustrate that there are two dominant axes within the regional network, which comprise on the one hand hotels cooperating with applied universities, and on the other hand hotels cooperating with vocational schools. This local actor network has impacts on the practical relevance that vocational education and training provides to the learners, and generates a particular, and rather vulnerable, way of regional development.

Actors and factors in the international transfer of dual training approaches: The coordination of vocational education and training in Mexico from a German perspective

“…Nevertheless, some suggestions have been made in our research that could still be implemented. One suggestion to improve vocational education is to lengthen the practical periods the learners spend in the companies, as Röhrer et al (2021) discovered in their study. Two other actors from German‐speaking countries pointed out that more obvious successes through vocational training are necessary.…”

“…The Ministry of Education and its subordinate organisations play a key role in Mexico because they set the curriculum framework for the vocational schools. In addition, companies and vocational schools play a central role because they must develop training programmes in cooperation at a regional level (Röhrer et al, 2021;Wiemann, 2020Wiemann, , 2022.…”

“…The constellation of participants is also important (Altrichter, 2010). Röhrer et al (2021) note that, for the tourism region of Cancún (Mexico), companies and vocational training providers (vocational schools/universities) are particularly relevant for the implementation of dual practices as they are the active organisations offering dual practices. Accordingly, a division between dynamic actors, who can also be called ‘promotors’ and supporting actors is possible (Howaldt, 2002).…”

Internationalization of vocational education and training—Advances and developments

“…Organizations at the European and global levels are also active in supporting educational transfer (Aring, 2014). A central driver is the economy with its multinational companies, be they global players or increasingly also internationally active small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs;Gessler, 2017;Pilz & Wiemann, 2021;Röhrer et al, 2021).At the same time, the latest research findings regarding feasibility, successes already achieved, challenges to be overcome and long-term feasibility of VET international transfer are very limited. On the one hand, there are approaches that focus on the theoretical foundation of educational transfer, and on the other hand, those that discuss transfer options at a political or administrative level.…”

“…Organizations at the European and global levels are also active in supporting educational transfer (Aring, 2014). A central driver is the economy with its multinational companies, be they global players or increasingly also internationally active small and mid‐sized enterprises (SMEs; Gessler, 2017; Pilz & Wiemann, 2021; Röhrer et al, 2021).…”