Why Collaboration Between Government, Industry, and Educators Is the Key to Long-Term Growth
As Bhutan looks ahead to becoming a high-income economy by 2030, a new reality is emerging: public initiatives alone won’t get the country there. To achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth, Bhutan needs strong, deliberate partnerships between the public sector, private enterprise, education providers, and development partners.
This shift is already underway. Sparked by the recent Bhutan Innovation Forum, leaders across government, education, and industry are turning their attention to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), economic policy reform, and the role of entrepreneurship in regional development. Blue Poppy Ventures is actively involved in shaping these conversations—and helping drive them toward tangible results.
At the heart of this effort is the recognition that Bhutan’s labour market is misaligned. Employers in construction, tourism, renewable energy, and food production are ready to grow—but too often can’t find workers with the right skills. Meanwhile, young people are leaving the country for opportunities abroad, unsure of how to build a meaningful career at home.
TVET is a powerful solution to this mismatch, but until now it has been undervalued and inconsistently funded. In both policy and perception, TVET in Bhutan has lagged behind more traditional education pathways. That’s starting to change.
Wendy Perry, Managing Director of Workforce BluePrint and co-founder of Blue Poppy Ventures, recently joined leaders from government ministries and industry to highlight TVET’s potential to transform Bhutan’s economy. Her message was clear: if Bhutan wants to scale up industries like green construction, wellness tourism, and smart agriculture, it needs to invest in the skills base that makes those industries possible.
Beyond training, the broader enabling environment is also under review. Bhutan’s last comprehensive Economic Development Policy (EDP) was drafted in 2010 and revised in 2016—but never implemented. Without a coherent national strategy for economic development, investments in workforce and innovation risk becoming fragmented.
That’s why Blue Poppy Ventures is pushing for a new, future-focused EDP—one that incorporates the priorities of the 13th Five-Year Plan, aligns with Gross National Happiness (GNH), and positions the workforce as a central pillar of economic reform.
A big part of the solution lies in public-private partnerships (PPPs). These can take many forms—co-investment in TVET centres, curriculum co-design with industry, business-led apprenticeships, or joint ventures that create training-to-employment pathways. Successful PPPs bring together the resources of government, the innovation of business, and the expertise of educators to create results greater than the sum of their parts.
Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) offers a perfect testbed. As a future-facing city focused on wellbeing, green energy, and cultural identity, GMC will require a wide range of skills—from solar technicians and carpenters to digital marketers and hospitality professionals. To meet this demand, PPPs can mobilise training resources, embed skills development in infrastructure projects, and ensure that Bhutanese youth and businesses are ready to participate from day one.
It’s also a matter of equity. Underrepresented groups—women, people with disabilities, retirees, LGBTQ individuals—have often been excluded from formal workforce development programs. By designing inclusive PPP models, Bhutan can empower all citizens to contribute to and benefit from the country’s economic transformation.
What’s needed now is bold, coordinated action. Government agencies must provide the policy clarity and funding. Private enterprises need to step forward with ideas, investment, and mentorship. Educators must build programs that respond to real-world needs. And partners like Blue Poppy Ventures will continue to connect the dots—facilitating collaboration, guiding strategy, and ensuring implementation is practical and impactful.
The message is clear: Bhutan’s future depends on its people—and building their capability requires a united front.
If you’re interested in being part of a public-private collaboration or contributing to Bhutan’s workforce development, get in touch at wendy@wendyperry.com.au.