On 2-3rd February, 2023 a project EAGLE aimed at addressing the specific skills gaps faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in EU was launched. The project, called “CovEring the trAining Gap in digital skills for European SMEs manpower” (EAGLE), is designed to help SMEs adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape and ensure they have the skilled workforce needed to compete and thrive in the global economy.
According to recent data, more than half of European SMEs lack the digital skills necessary to grow and innovate. This is a significant barrier to success, as digitalization is increasingly becoming a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness.
To address this challenge, the EAGLE project will develop targeted training courses to support to SMEs in closing the gap of existing skills in specific technology areas of:
- Robotics
- Data analytics and ethical AI
- Blockchain technology and blockchain finance
- Cybercrime, cyberthreats and cybersecurity
- Intersection of energy and technological systems
The EAGLE project consortium includes universities, business associations and SME’s. Focus of the project will be on establishing sustainable links between academia and small business representatives, so that academia could respond to the challenges and needs of SME’s. The project is funded by the European Union’s the Digital Europe Programme.
The EAGLE project will enhance existing training courses of consortium members with holistic approach, broader methodological support and enhanced training material and tools. Leveraging existing investments will allow delivery on ambitious timeline. Overall 6 training courses will be launched based on surveys of SME’s skill needs, thus providing relevant upskilling/reskilling means for the market. They will be promoted on Digital Skills and Jobs Platform. Project will develop a methodology for identification of gaps, designing relevant courses, quality assurance and accreditation.
Project will extend for 36 months, enrolment to courses will be opened in spring 2024.
For interested parties:
Private persons who are interested in upskilling/reskilling opportunities (job seekers, one’s willing to explore other career paths) please register to receive information on the launch of courses, training opportunities.
Business associations of SME’s, SMEs themselves, please register your interest with the project EAGLE to participate in surveys of needs, enrolling employees to training courses and evaluation process.
Project aims to facilitate female engagement in aforementioned technology areas. NGO’s and other organizations looking for ways to attracting women to technology sectors. Thus, EAGLE is a relevant platform to discuss modalities of collaboration.
Institutions of higher education having interest in developing and delivering courses to address skill gaps of SME’s, please register with EAGLE to participate in development and distribution of training courses.
Project consortium:
The EAGLE project is run by consortium from Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Spain, representing Academia, Centers of Excellence, Business Associations and Digital Innovation Hubs and SMEs.
Higher Education Institutions:
- Universidad de Burgos (UBU) (Spain)
- Univerzita Mateja Bela (UMB) (Slovakia)
- Technical University of Ostrava (VSB) (Czech Republic)
- University of Limerick (UL) (Ireland)
- Turku University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
Center of Excellence
- Lithuanian Cybercrime Center of Excellence for Training, Research & Education (L3CE)
SME
- Vernian RTI (Cyprus)
Business Associations and Digital Innovation Hubs:
- Confederación de Asociaciones Empresariales de Burgos (FAE)
- Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SOPK)
- Skillnet Ireland
- Asociación Digital Innovation Hub Industry 4.0 (DIHBU)
