Skilled workers with good vocational training are a decisive factor for the sustainable diffusion of new technologies. But how are research and development findings transmitted to companies and taken into their employees’ thinking?This issue examines technology transfer into vocational education and training from the standpoint of the sustainability strategy. One element, though not the whole story, is the introduction of green or renewable technologies aimed at environmental sustainability. Challenges are pointed out for the early identification of qualification needs and qualification trends in vocational education.The editorial by the President of BIBB, Prof. Dr. Esser, sets out the vocational education policy challenges for the new legislative period. Expanding high-quality vocational education and training research, ensuring the long-term sustainability of intercompany training centres and hands-on vocational orientation, and continuing the internationalisation of vocational education are his key points.Other questions addressed by articles in this issue include the school-to-employment transition, the early identification of youth unemployment in Swiss vocational education, the mapping of advanced vocational training qualifications in the German qualifications framework, the export of vocational education and training services, and open educational resources.