- Funding Programme
- Year
- 2024
Towards a Harmonised Micro-Credential Ecosystem in Czechia
The project “Towards a Harmonised Micro-Credential Ecosystem in Czechia” is a two-year initiative, running from September 2024 to August 2026, and aimed at creating a unified national strategy for micro-credentials across education and training sectors in Czechia. Implemented through the Technical Support Instrument (TSI), the project is a collaboration between the European Commission, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic and the OECD, to support a flexible, accessible, and labour market-responsive learning ecosystem in Czechia.
Context
Czechia’s employment rate is robust, with over 80% of adults employed. However, the country faces substantial labour shortages and skills mismatches, particularly in high-demand sectors such as ICT. Additionally, the labour market is increasingly influenced by digitalisation and automation. Despite these challenges, adult learning participation in Czechia remains below the EU average, with 46% of adults engaged in education and training in 2022. This project aims to address these issues by supporting the creation of a robust micro-credential framework to boost lifelong learning participation, bridge skills gaps, and support the objectives outlined in Czechia’s Strategy for Education Policy until 2030+.
Support measures
The project comprises four key activities, each designed to build a robust foundation for a harmonised micro-credential ecosystem in Czechia:
- Assessment of existing approaches: Analysing the current state of micro-credentials in Czechia through desk research and interviews with national stakeholders to understand the existing landscape.
- Assessment of relevant international approaches: Identifying best practices across OECD and EU countries to inform policy development in Czechia. An international peer-learning event will be held in the first quarter of 2025.
- Stakeholder consultations: Engaging with stakeholders across Czechia to gather insights and feedback on proposed policy directions. Focus groups will be held in six locations during the second and third quarters of 2025.
- Proposal for a strategy and implementation plan: Developing a proposal for a harmonised micro-credential framework, based on findings from prior activities. The project’s outcomes and final recommendations will be presented in a publication and shared at the concluding conference in the second quarter of 2026.
Expected results
The project aims to support the establishment of a harmonised micro-credential framework, bringing together higher education, vocational education and training, and non-formal education and training sectors. Building upon the EU Council Recommendation on a European approach to micro-credentials and relevant national initiatives, including the micro-credential pilot among 26 public higher education institutions under the Czech Recovery and Resilience Plan, the project focuses on three core objectives:
- Harmonisation: Establishing a standardised definition and certification format for micro-credentials, enabling seamless recognition and portability of learning across sectors.
- Labour market relevance: Strengthening partnerships between micro-credential providers and industry to ensure alignment with evolving labour market and societal needs.
- Accessibility: Expanding access to flexible learning for individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating inclusive opportunities for lifelong learning.