Demographic development, structural shifts in the economy and the associated changes in training needs and requirements vary greatly from region to region. The articles in this issue outline these disparities, exploring their relevance in various areas of activity and offering perspectives for structuring of in-company and extra-company training offers in regions. In the editorial, BIBB Director of Research Professor REINHOLD WEIß calls for closer interlinking of vocational education and training with regional economic development in order to ensure preparedness for the foreseeable demographic changes. Other articles in this issue cover topics such as the impact of the economic crisis on training and continuing education activities in enterprises, the importance companies attach to educational qualifications of their training staff and training of skilled workers in the construction sector in Iran.