What is DigiSE5.0?
DigiSE5.0 is an Erasmus+ education project that helps university teachers in the Social Economy (SE) field prepare students for the digital world.
It introduces Digital Value Creation Labs (DVCLabs) and a hands-on curriculum that encourages students to solve real-life challenges using technology. By connecting universities with cooperatives, social businesses, and digital experts, DigiSE5.0 supports the digital transformation of the Social Economy.
Project Acronym: DigiSE5.0
Title: Unlocking the capacity of future social entrepreneurs to effectively drive digital transition by embedding a forwardlooking and competence-oriented training programme in Social Economy Education
Duration: 1 September 2024 – 28 February 2027
Funding: Erasmus+ (KA220-HED) – €400,000
Coordinated by: Rzeszowska Agencja Rozwoju Regionalnego S.A. (Poland)
Why It Matters
The Social Economy includes businesses and organisations like cooperatives, social enterprises, and charities — all working to create positive social impact.
While these organisations play a key role in making society fairer and more sustainable, many are not yet using digital tools to their full potential.
DigiSE5.0 helps educators and students lead this change — by teaching practical digital skills and promoting creative, tech-driven solutions for real-world social challenges.
Objectives
DigiSE5.0 pursues five strategic objectives:
💡 Generate New Knowledge
Understand how university courses can better prepare students for digital change in the SE sector.
🧑🏫 Empower Educators
Train university staff through a blended programme including online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops.
💻 Enable Students
Teach students hands-on digital skills through DVCLabs, where they can experiment, innovate, and create social value.
🚀 Pilot & Scale
Test the DigiSE5.0 curriculum in real classrooms across Europe through an international Accelerator Programme.
📢 Sustain the Impact
Engage stakeholders and decision-makers to ensure that the results last beyond the project.
Our Approach
We believe in learning by doing.
That’s why DigiSE5.0 uses challenge-based learning, where students and teachers work together to solve real problems. The DVCLabs offer creative spaces to test ideas, use digital tools, and co-create innovative solutions with input from experts in both the tech and social sectors.
A mix of face-to-face and online learning (MOOCs, webinars, Living Labs) ensures flexibility and reach. The Accelerator Programme will allow students to apply what they’ve learned in a practical, fast-paced setting.
Work Packages & Short Descriptions
| WP | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| WP1 | Project Management | Coordination, quality assurance, and financial oversight of the entire project lifecycle. |
| WP2 | Embedding DVCLabs | Research and design of a framework for integrating Digital Value Creation Labs into SE curricula. |
| WP3 | Educator Training | Development and delivery of a flexible, blended Capacity Building Programme for HE educators. |
| WP4 | Curriculum & Accelerator | Co-design of a challenge-based curriculum and piloting through short-term Accelerator Programmes. |
| WP5 | Dissemination & Sustainability | Communication strategy, stakeholder engagement, policy recommendations, and long-term impact planning. |
Expected Results
DigiSE5.0 will deliver:
A study on how to include DVCLabs in university programmes
A flexible training programme for HE educators
A co-designed curriculum that teaches digital and innovation skills
A piloted Accelerator Programme in partner countries
Policy recommendations and an open online platform for sharing resources
The project aims to leave a lasting mark on Social Economy education, making digital innovation and entrepreneurial competences central to social impact learning.
Who’s Involved
The DigiSE5.0 partnership brings together six leading institutions from Poland, Greece, Italy, and Belgium. Together, they represent a powerful combination of academic excellence, innovation experience, and European outreach.
Meet the partners →