involas reorganises international activities and focuses on national contexts
“This decision was not an easy one for us,” says Dr Elisabeth Aram, Managing Director of involas. “However, it is necessary in order to use our resources responsibly and strengthen the institute's economic basis in the long term.”
Global or national: always tailored to needs and local contexts
involas looks back on a long and successful history in international development cooperation. The institute, together with its network of partners, has carried out numerous projects in the fields of vocational education and training, labour market and social policy, in more than 80 countries, these projects contributed significantly to meaningful change. These experiences have been an essential part of the institute's history and are held in high regard.
“International activities have had a strong impact on involas, both professionally and institutionally,” emphasises Guido Lotz, currently Managing Director responsible for the international business division. “The joint projects and partnerships of recent years have proven to be effective and impactful, founded on a high level of mutual trust.”
At the same time, involas emphasises that international cooperation continues to be recognised as an important field of work. Even though no new international projects are currently being actively pursued, the institute remains open to developments and possible cooperation in the future, provided that respective necessary structural and personnel requirements can be met.
Securing the future and transition: high quality remains guaranteed
As part of this strategic repositioning, Guido Lotz will step down as Managing Director of the international division and leave involas on 31 March 2026. Operational responsibility for the existing international project portfolio will be transferred to Managing Director Dr Elisabeth Aram at the end of the year. All ongoing international projects will, of course, be implemented by involas in accordance with contractual agreements, with reliably and the usual professionalism.
“The decisive factor for our partners is that the ongoing projects are secure,” says Dr Elisabeth Aram. “We stand for continuity, reliability and high quality. Even in a phase of strategic realignment.”
With almost 35 years of experience in the German context, involas will continue to strengthen its role as a bridge between practice, science and politics. Its work in the national sector will remain quality-oriented, evidence-based and partner-oriented.