Abstract
Multi-stage capacity-building programmes are often assessed at the end of a training event, even though their value depends on whether learning is tested, adapted, replicated and transferred to youth-facing practice. This article examines the early implementation of RiseUp-WB, an Erasmus+ capacity-building initiative linking Training of Trainers (ToT), local micro-pilots, cascade workshops, youth innovation labs and policy dialogue in Albania and Kosovo. A mixed-methods implementation case study used aggregated monitoring data and public project documentation generated between February and July 2026. The dataset covered 10 activities, 171 participation instances and 470 feedback submissions, corresponding to 99.8% of expected activity-stage responses. Descriptive analysis was combined with documentary thematic synthesis informed by implementation outcomes and adaptation theory. Acceptability and perceived appropriateness were consistently high. ToT #1 achieved a mean daily rating of 4.59/5, while ToT #2 daily means ranged from 4.25 to 4.65. Micro-pilots identified concrete adaptation needs, including slower pacing, local examples, step-by-step digital demonstrations, visual templates and offline alternatives. Three cascade workshops subsequently reached 49 attendance instances and collected 48 feedback forms. The same 20 young people completed two cross-border innovation labs, progressing from problem definition to digital project management, budgeting, prototypes and pitches. A first policy roundtable linked this learning pathway to municipal recommendations. The article proposes an Iterative Capacity-to-Innovation Pathway that distinguishes non-negotiable implementation functions from locally adaptable delivery features. The findings support feasibility and transferability, but do not establish causal effectiveness or long-term employment outcomes.