Transferring dual VET in the context of academic drift: The case of North Macedonia

This paper argues that the transfer of dual VET faces significant challenges, particularly due to academic drift. The argument is developed within a comparative theoretical framework, drawing on historical institutionalism (Stefes, 2019; Thelen, 2003) and Archer’s (1984) theory of structural elaboration in education systems. These theoretical perspectives have already been substantiated through case studies (Maurer, Haolader & Shimu, 2023; Maurer, Shimu & Veung, 2025). The present paper applies this framework to North Macedonia, examining the country’s vocational education and training (VET) developments since its independence in 1991 and presenting findings from an evaluation of a Swiss-funded VET project. → for citations see bibliography in the document