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4EU+ University Alliance succeeds with micro-credential project

The 4EU+ European University Alliance, which includes Charles University, has been awarded a 2024 Erasmus+ grant for the 4EU+ Micro-Credential Integration (4EU+ MICI) project, focused on developing micro-credentials in the context of the digital and green transitions. These changes are significantly reshaping the labour market and require new skills and competencies. They are closely tied to the growing emphasis on lifelong learning, within which micro-credentials represent a flexible way to enhance or broaden qualifications.

The importance of micro-credentials and inter-university collaboration in the 4EU+ MICI project was underlined by its coordinator, Prof. Sabine Bottin-Rousseau, already in autumn 2024 at a conference in Prague. Thanks to three years of financial support, the alliance will be able to lay the groundwork for a European framework for the development and recognition of micro-credentials, strengthen collaboration with the application sector, and offer the public educational programmes that reflect current market needs.

The role of Charles University was highlighted by Mgr. et Mgr. David Hurný, member of the Rector’s Board: “An efficient new tool is emerging in education – one that can respond flexibly to labour market needs, allows for the involvement of practitioners, and ensures quality. This leads to opportunities to broaden graduate profiles. As part of this project, a European-level framework for mutual recognition of micro-credentials, joint educational programmes, and an effective analysis of employer needs – transformed into micro-credentials – will be developed.”

Project structure

The project is divided into five Work Packages (WP), each coordinated by one of the member universities:

• WP1 Project Management and Coordination (Sorbonne University): oversees the project as a whole, including coordination, reporting, and progress monitoring.

• WP2 Skills and Needs Identification (University of Copenhagen): analyses the needs of various target groups and maps key green and digital competencies required on the labour market.

• WP3 Programme Design and Implementation (University of Milan): based on WP2 outputs, develops new micro-credential programmes, supports both teachers and prospective learners.

• WP4 Quality Assurance (Charles University): analyses European and international approaches to quality, evaluates practices at partner universities, and defines quality criteria and indicators.

• WP5 Communication and Dissemination (University of Warsaw): ensures visibility and outreach, promoting the project and its results among partners and the public.

Charles University’s role

Charles University is involved in all work packages and actively contributes to fulfilling the project’s goals. It is primarily responsible for WP4, which focuses on quality assurance. WP4 is led by the Department for Quality Assurance of Educational Activities and Accreditation (OKVA), in cooperation with the Centre for Lifelong Learning (CCŽV). The WP4 lead is Mgr. Barbora Čapinská, Ph.D., and the internal project coordinator at CU is Mgr. Jaroslav Pěnička from CCŽV.

Project launch and next steps

The kick-off meeting took place on 21 March 2025 at Sorbonne University in Paris. Project coordinator Prof. Sabine Bottin-Rousseau presented the project's goals and expected outcomes. Work package teams used the meeting to fine-tune timelines, network, and strengthen cooperation with project partners.

Charles University was represented by Prof. Lenka Rovná, member of the Rector’s Board for 4EU+ matters, who commented: “In a world of fast-evolving knowledge and technology, the phrase ‘no jobs for life’ is increasingly relevant – but the real question is: what kind of life are we preparing for? One that supports inner development, self-affirmation, societal progress, and mutual respect? Knowledge acquired ‘at school’ is no longer enough. Continuous learning and working on ourselves and others is more effective under expert guidance. Micro-credentials – these ‘smaller learning programmes’ – can help respond both to shifting market needs and to the full development of the individual. At the Paris Kick-Off Meeting, we also addressed collaboration with the economic and public sectors, in addition to academic and technical matters. It’s a pleasure to work with the highly professional and reliable partners in 4EU+.”

Current activities and cooperation in the Czech Republic

All working groups have now been established, and discussions with associated partners are underway. Charles University will work closely with Czech partners, especially the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MŠMT) and the Czech Chamber of Commerce (HK ČR). Their involvement is crucial: the Chamber brings the perspective of employers, their views on lifelong learning, and insights into skills and competencies currently lacking on the labour market. This input will ensure the project’s micro-credential programmes are relevant and beneficial for both employers and graduates. The Ministry plays a key role in shaping the framework for micro-credential recognition and quality assurance.

What’s ahead

In autumn 2025, research interviews will begin as part of a report mapping green and digital skills in the countries of the 4EU+ alliance. Preparations are already underway, including the development of structured questionnaires. In parallel, data collection continues on existing programmes, teaching methods, and national and European quality assurance systems. The first joint partner workshop will be held in December 2025 in Copenhagen.

Text: Tomáš Novotný, Šárka Lojdová