Discussion on the links between higher education, the qualifications system
and labour market needs
As part of the official visit of the President of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), Prof. Daniela Cristina Ghițulică, PhD, to the National Entity for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education, a meeting with representatives of the economy and the qualifications system was held on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, from 16:40 to 17:40, at the Palace of Serbia.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Gabrijela Grujić, PhD, Director of the Office for Dual Education and the National Qualifications Framework, Prof. Časlav Mitrović, PhD, Director of the Agency for Qualifications, and Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, together with their associates, as well as coordinators from the Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance and the NEAQA management.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the NEAQA management. The participants were welcomed by the Director of NEAQA, Prof. Nebojša Zdravković, PhD, while welcome remarks were also delivered by Prof. Stefan Milojević, PhD, Head of the Director’s Office and Assistant Director of NEAQA for Accreditation, Initial Accreditation and External Quality Assurance, who moderated the meeting and led the discussion on the links between higher education, the qualifications system and labour market needs.
The discussion focused on the links between higher education, the qualifications system and labour market needs, as well as the role of quality assurance in the development of study programmes that respond to the contemporary needs of society, the economy and the professional environment.
Particular attention was given to the importance of a clear link between learning outcomes, qualifications and the competences students acquire during their studies. In this context, the importance of cooperation between higher education institutions, NEAQA, the qualifications system and the economy in assessing the relevance of study programmes was emphasised, while preserving academic standards and the broader educational mission of higher education.
Representatives of the economy and the qualifications system were recognised as important partners in quality assurance processes, as their perspective contributes to a better understanding of labour market needs, the development of applicable knowledge and skills, and the greater visibility and usability of qualifications.
The participants exchanged views on the possibilities for further improving cooperation between higher education, the qualifications system and the economy, in line with European quality assurance principles and NEAQA’s activities aimed at regaining full membership in ENQA.
The meeting formed part of the programme of the official visit of the ENQA President and provided an opportunity to discuss how the quality assurance system can support the development of relevant, responsible and internationally recognisable higher education in the Republic of Serbia.