Skills shortages, insufficient competitiveness and job market mobility are joint problems of the region as shown in the current OECD AT/HU-PISA results. The results show below/average performance in literacy, mathematics and science. However, it is exactly these competencies along with social, civic and intercultural competencies that are requirements for successful entry to the world of work.
Therefore the overarching goal of CODES is to systematically build up cross-border cooperation between educational institutions in order to achieve a positive change to this base line situation. This will already start at primary school in order to continuously strengthen these key competencies among pupils.

The planned approach is to develop and implement a sustainable overall package for primary school teachers in grades 1-4 (pupils: 6 to 10 years old) in close cooperation with educational institutions in the programme region.

This is characterized by three activities:
1. Establishment of regional information and advice centers as part of the cross-border network,
2. Development & piloting of competence-oriented teaching materials,
3. Educational programmes for primary school teachers and trainings for multipliers