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On 2-3rd February, 2023 project EAGLE, aimed at addressing the specific skills gaps faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in EU was launched.
What is Project EAGLE?
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.
Who is participating in Project EAGLE?
The project is funded by the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme.
The EAGLE project consortium includes universities, business associations and SMEs. The focus of the project will be on establishing sustainable links between academia and small business representatives, so that academia can respond to the challenges and needs of SMEs.
What will Project EAGLE Deliver?
To address this challenge, the EAGLE project will develop targeted training courses to support 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
Overall 6 training courses will be launched based on surveys of each member's SME's skill needs, thus providing relevant upskilling or reskilling means for the market. They will be promoted on Digital Skills and Jobs Platform across Europe.
The project will develop a methodology for identification of gaps, designing relevant courses, quality assurance and accreditation.
Through this, the project will enhance existing training courses of the consortium members with a holistic approach, broader methodological support and enhanced training material and tools.
Leveraging existing investments allows for the delivery on ambitious timeline. The project will extend for 36 months and enrolment to courses will be opened in spring 2024.
Who should be interested?
- Private learners who are interested in upskilling or reskilling opportunities (job seekers or those willing to explore other career paths)
- Business associations of SMEs, SMEs themselves
Please register to receive information on the launch of courses, training opportunities. Register here
NGO’s and other organizations are looking for ways to attracting women to technology sectors.The project also aims to facilitate female engagement in aforementioned technology areas. Thus, EAGLE is a relevant platform to discuss modalities of collaboration.
Institutions of higher education who have an interest in developing and delivering courses to address skill gaps of SMEs can also Register here.
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)
EAGLE has a duration of 36 months, starting from the 1st of January 2023, and a total budget of 2.28 million euros, of which 1.28 million euros funded by the European Union.
