• Title: DigiVIP - Building Virtual Learning Platform for Environmentally-Friendly Digital Transformation Management
• Funding Programme: EU ERASMUS + KA226 - Partnerships for Digital Education Readiness
• Duration of the Project: 24 months
• EC Co-financing: 203,908 EUR
• Start Date: 1st June 2021

Aim and objectives

The project aims to develop a digital transformation management curriculum and learning materials with a focus on "environmental sustainability" standards. This project will focus on manufacturing industry in Europe, particularly SMEs. For business organizations to be competitive, the workforce must have the digital skills necessary to exploit the use of latest and emerging digital technologies. Therefore, this project will help to improve the theoretical and practical skills of HE students on digital transformation management through the use of innovative virtual learning tools and to support students through university-industry cooperation for project/work-based learning. Addressing the scope of UN’s sustainable development goals, the project will also help to raise awareness on digital transformation for environmentally sustainable business.

The project is a partnership between Istanbul University (Lead partner, Turkey), University of Bedfordshire (UK), Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (UK), Fachhochschule Bielefeld (Germany), and two business partners in Turkey (Istanbul Maden Ve Metaller Ihracatci Birlikleri and Bizpark Bilisim San. Tic. Ltd. Sti.).

Target beneficiaries

1. Young graduates who will be able to receive a special training by participating in online webinars, workshops and other events. Priority will be given to long-term unemployed youth and women, and also disadvantaged people. It is expected that the training will enhance the employability of the participants.
2. Managers and employees in participating companies.

Key Outputs

• E-learning platform
• A Guidebook on understanding digital transformation management
• Relevant content for MSc curriculum, modules, webinars and online courses
• Digital toolkits with augmented reality
• Report on skills needs analysis for green digital transformation management
• Guidelines on green digital transformation initiatives and best practices in manufacturing industry

Expected impact

• Participants will improve their digital literacy level and develop new skills such as creative thinking, leadership, problem solving, etc.;
• Interactive learning resources will be more accessible so learners will be able to improve their employability and internship opportunity;
• Project partners will have an opportunity to collaborate in research and education in the area of digital transformation management
• Business companies will gain access to online courses and improve digital skills and awareness in green digital transformation management.

Project website

digiviproject.eu/en

Project links and news

• First Transnational project meeting in a virtual space
• Focus group discussion on supporting digital transformation of UK SMEs
• Kick-off project meeting, Istanbul, Turkey
• Second Transnational project meeting, Bielefeld, Germany
• Third Transnational project meeting, Manchester, UK
• Fourth Transnational meeting, Luton, UK
• Final Transnational meeting, Istanbul, Turkey
• DigiVIP International Conference, Istanbul, Turkey

Contact Information

Professor Yanqing Duan
E: yanqing.duan@beds.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1582 743134