Microcredentials: the glue that binds the corporate world with life long learning delivered by universities
Padmasheela Kiiskilä, Researcher, Tampere University, FI
The idea of life long learning, although not a new concept, is seen recently from a fresh perspective. It is seen as a necessary quality to encourage in learners of all ages to have a chance of meeting employment needs of the future. Micro-credentials are seen as one of the tools that has the potential to deliver the needed skills as certified little bundles of knowledge. These can be delivered as part of a study program for existing students or as a path to acquire new knowledge and skills for those who are already in workforce or looking for a new career. ECIU is one of the leading alliances in Europe offering a variety of micro-credentials, including those addressing real-world challenges that require creative solutions. By adhering to standards like the European Digital Credentials, they ensure portability across different educational and employment settings, while frameworks such as ESCO provide a comprehensive mapping of skills, making them relevant and easily recognized in the job market.
In this keynote, I will explore how the ECIU alliance is pioneering the development and issuance of micro-credentials, highlighting their role as connectors between lifelong learning and the evolving demands of the corporate world. I will discuss how these micro-credentials are designed to be portable and skill-oriented, utilizing standards such as the European Digital Credentials framework and ESCO. Furthermore, I will delve into the challenges and opportunities universities encounter when implementing micro-credentials and explore their potential in enhancing connections between academic learning and industry needs
The challenge and benefits for research universities in delivering life long learning
Jukka Tikkanen, Head of School, School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, FI
Educators in the field of bioeconomy are navigating two parallel and significant transitions: the shift from a fossil-based economy to a bioeconomy, and the transformation from traditional degree-based education to continuous, lifelong learning. Research-oriented universities, with their deeply rooted academic cultures, often face challenges in adapting to the new roles and practices these transitions demand. This presentation explores both of these "renaissances" from the perspective of such institutions. To illustrate key findings, we will examine two case studies: the bioeconomy-specialized program and the Open Badge Program in Forest Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland, as well as the Bioeconomy Academy initiative of the European Bioeconomy University (EBU). These examples provide concrete insights into how universities are responding to the evolving educational and economic landscape.
The challenge and benefits for applied science universities in delivering life long learning
Han van Osch, Avans University of Applied Science, Breda, NL
Avans University of Applied Sciences is preparing itself for the future. In the future, lifelong learning will be an important aspect of the role that universities will play to help the workforce in staying updated with all the work related changes that will be the consequence of the ongoing transitions. What is the strategy of Avans to take up this role? What will be the way to have focus in the programme? How will the university organize the activities that come up with this new role? How can Avans cooperate with its partners? As the quarter master for this programme, Han van Osch will give some insights in this process and the expected outcomes.
Success Story for Lifelong Learning in Nature Sciences: A Publisher’s Perspective
Merlet Behncke-Braunbeck, Director Distance Learning, Springer Nature, Springer, Heidelberg, DE
In a world defined by continuous change and technological innovation, the necessity for lifelong learning remains undeniable. Springer Campus, with over 25 years of experience in lifelong learning (LLL), has established itself as a pioneer and a successful model for the cooperation between universities and a academic publisher as external service company. This presentation highlights the success story of Springer Campus and illustrates how established concepts of distance learning and certificate courses can be transferred to the field of bioeconomy and LLL.
Why is lifelong learning essential? In today's job market, professionals often encounter career dead-ends, particularly in highly specialized fields of natural sciences. The highly specific demands of scientific jobs require tailored learning solutions.
Our programs address this gap with customized courses, empowering professionals to advance their careers and supporting corporates to achieve the challenges of their employers.
Comprehensive Programs. Springer Campus has developed various formats of lifelong learning, including blended learning, virtual and classroom-based sessions, and MOOCs. These formats are flexible, cost-effective, and tailored to the needs of learners. Our distance learning offerings include Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in biology, chemistry, and biotechnology (with a focus on Technical Laboratory Assistants TAs in Germany), along with specialized certificate courses, most of them derivatives of the respective degree program.
These programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals, offering flexibility and accessibility without compromising on quality. The majority of our learners are sponsored by their employers, highlighting the value recognized by the industry in investing in their workforce's continuous development.
By collaborating with universities, we combine academic rigor with scientific content from Springer Nature and practical application, ensuring a seamless educational experience that is both flexible and effective. Our strong partnerships with leading universities enhance the quality and reach of our programs, making them a benchmark in the industry.
Potential for Adaptation to Bioeconomy and LLL. A central point of this presentation will be the potential adaptation of distance learning to the topics of bioeconomy and LLL. We will discuss the similarities and differences and identify the additional elements needed to develop customized educational offerings in this emerging field. The key lies in our ability to customize programs and leverage our established methodologies to create impactful learning experiences.
This presentation offers a perspective on how distance learning and LLL can be successfully implemented and extended to new areas like bioeconomy.
BioBec Education Centres
George Sakellaris – Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic & BioEast
BioBec was a CBE-funded project focusing on Bioeconomy Education and aiming to build bridges between the bio-based industry and the education system by interlinking universities, innovation labs, and R&D centres with industrial actors and regions.
In order to achieve this, the project proposed a holistic framework merging the traditional idea of an education center, with that of a knowledge hub.
The project established the framework for the development of multi-level Bio-Based Education Centres (BBECs) to act as knowledge hubs involving academic institutions, students, innovation entities and policy makers in a number of European regions. At the same time, the project was flexible enough to answer the actual and future needs of the industry and surrounding ecosystem at local, regional and national levels.
The BBECs concept was designed according to the framework of different EU regions and was characterized by:
- Collaboration.
- Multi-level networking of actors, centres and education.
- Flexibility and modularity to answer European complexity.
- Strengthening of the connection between the Industry and Education
- Digitisation.
- Innovative educational formats.
The outcomes of this initiative as well as obstacles weaknesses but also opportunities raised will be discussed.