Productive follow-up and planning from the Bhutan Innovation Forum focused on key initiatives driving Bhutan’s development. With an emphasis on education, skills, venture capital and renewable energy, the conversations have revolved around progress from the Bhutan Innovation Forum and upcoming plans for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). Discussions highlighted opportunities in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), strategic workforce planning, investment and the potential for international collaborations.
Bhutan Innovation Forum Follow-Up
As an example of a globally significant, forward-thinking initiative, GMC integrates sustainable living with cutting-edge workforce and community planning. Wendy Perry shared insights from her engagements with key stakeholders, focusing on how innovative education and workforce strategies could support Bhutan’s vision, applying strategic foresight.
Transforming TVET for Workforce Readiness
TVET reform is emerging as a cornerstone for Bhutan’s development, particularly in preparing the workforce for GMC, underscoring the need to align TVET programs with the competencies required for emerging industries. Bhutan’s TVET institutes are actively seeking partnerships with Australian institutions, with promising prospects for collaboration on a Trade Mission and the Summer Skills Program.
The Ministry of Education’s priorities include upskilling youth in trades and professions integral to the GMC project. Wendy highlighted the importance of a skills taxonomy and unique educational frameworks to prepare Bhutanese workers for these opportunities. Strategic foresight, embedded within TVET and workforce planning, is recognised as a critical component to anticipate future skills demands.
Renewable Energy Collaboration: Beyond Hydro
Renewable energy diversification is pivotal for Bhutan, a country historically reliant on hydropower. Wendy’s meetings with Karma Shring and Karma P. Dorjee explored opportunities for skilling Bhutanese youth in the solar energy sector. Drawing on South Australia’s expertise in renewable energy, they discussed a potential partnership to develop training programs that align with Bhutan’s shift toward solar and other renewable sources. This collaboration represents a significant step in enhancing Bhutan’s energy security and workforce capabilities in the clean energy sector.
Strategic Workforce Planning for the Future
Strategic workforce planning is a central theme with Workforce BluePrint exploring how to work with Bhutan to develop a tailored skills taxonomy and framework for GMC. Soon to be released is a short course on applying strategic foresight to workforce planning, enabling Bhutan, other countries and regions, to anticipate industry trends and align its workforce accordingly.
There is a need for collaboration on human resource planning and forecasting, ensuring that workforce development initiatives remain sustainable and aligned with Bhutan’s long-term goals.
Trade Mission to Bhutan
Plans for a trade mission focusing on three key areas: TVET, renewable energy expertise, and venture capital are in the works. This possible trade mission in 2025 represents an opportunity to connect Bhutanese institutions with Australian expertise, fostering partnerships that can drive innovation and growth across multiple sectors.
A Shared Vision for Progress
The synergy between Wendy Perry’s expertise in workforce planning and development, TVET, entrepreneurship and innovation, and Bhutan’s vision for sustainable and inclusive growth is very strong. The shared commitment to advancing TVET, renewable energy, and strategic foresight lays a strong foundation for future collaboration. By leveraging global expertise and local priorities, Bhutan is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals, setting a benchmark for innovative development in the region.
If you would like to find out more, please email wendy@workforceblueprint.com.au, thank you.