The call for dedicated curricula in key capacity areas under the Digital Europe Programme aims to support the excellence of higher education institutions and make them world leaders in training the digital specialists of the future. This initiative aims to increase the capacity of training offers in advanced digital skills and support dynamic digital learning ecosystems. These ecosystems will involve collaboration between higher education institutions, industrial innovators and research partners, attracting and retaining top global talent. The actions financed will contribute to reaching the target of 20 million ICT specialists in the EU by 2030, as set out in the Digital Decade Policy Programme, and help close the significant digital skills gap currently affecting the EU.
Areas
The aim of the call is to finance 10 projects in 10 selected areas. It will thus support the development and uptake of key digital skills in five selected digital areas:
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The virtual worlds
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Edge computing
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Quantum computing
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Photonics
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Robotics and automation
In addition, it will fund interdisciplinary programmes aimed at acquiring advanced green digital skills in four specific sectors related to the green transition:
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Agriculture
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Transport
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Renewable energy
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Waste management
Finally, it will be the last of the ten selected areas to support programmes aimed at acquiring advanced digital skills for the government and the public sector.
Expected results
Projects are expected to achieve the following results:
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Consortia of higher education institutions, research organisations and businesses and other stakeholders design and provide training programmes and stand-alone modules in advanced digital skills for developers and users of advanced digital technologies.
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HEIs are upgraded with digital solutions, equipment and infrastructure, with a particular focus on the interoperability of information systems.
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Students are supported by scholarships (for participation in educational programmes and internships) or other financial and support measures.
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Structural and sustainable partnerships shall be established between the members of the consortium.
Eligibility criteria
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The proposal must be submitted by a consortium of at least six independent entities from four different countries.
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The consortium is strongly recommended to include at least three degree-awarding HEIs, at least two industrial partners and at least one other independent research organisation/centre or competence/excellence centre.
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Eligible countries are EU Member States and countries associated to the Digital Europe Programme.
Funding
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Total budget: up to EUR 55 million
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Number of proposals for funded projects: Up to 10 projects
Time limits for the call
The call will start on 4 July 2024 and the deadline for applications is 21 November 2024 at 17:00 CET.
Other events
A special information day and event on the pitch will take place on 5 July 2024 at 10:00 CEST (Brussels time). More information can be found here.
Source: European Digital Skills & Jobs Platform
