In 2002, the European ministers for vocational education and training from 31 European countries and the European Commission adopted the Copenhagen declaration, which underlines the contribution of vocational education and training (VET) to achieving the Lisbon goals and sets priorities for VET systems' reforms through enhanced European cooperation. Every two years, progress by Member States in modernising VET is reviewed and reform priorities are refined. The latest review was in Helsinki in December 2006. The fourth report on VET research documents, discusses and analyses the socioeconomic context and VET reforms, based on latest research evidence. The report informs and improves policy-making and helps develop the VET research agenda. It thus provides and discusses the evidence base for enhanced cooperation in VET. The background report collects contributions from renowned experts and researchers. Contributions have been regrouped into three separate volumes. This volume addresses i