RELEVANCE

The rapid advancement of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) is reshaping the educational landscape in Europe, creating both opportunities and challenges for learners, educators, and institutions. This emerging class of technologies offers unprecedented possibilities for personalizing learning pathways, supporting innovation in pedagogical practices, automating administrative tasks, and enhancing the quality and efficiency of education and training systems. However, the integration of Generative AI remains uneven and unstructured across the EU. According to UNESCO (2023), only 7% of schools and 13% of universities have developed policies for the use of Generative AI, exposing critical gaps in institutional readiness. At the same time, 44% of EU citizens lack basic digital skills, and only 39% of teachers feel adequately prepared to use digital tools in the classroom (European Commission, 2021). These figures reveal an urgent need for a coordinated European response that addresses structural inequalities, builds capacity, and promotes the responsible, inclusive and human-centered adoption of AI in education and training.

It is in this context that Forward AIe Skills emerges as a strategic initiative to meet these challenges head-on. Aligned with the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027, the project contributes to the development of a high-performing digital education ecosystem and strengthens the digital and pedagogical capabilities of educators and institutions (European Commission, 2021). It also supports broader EU policy frameworks, including the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens – DigComp 2.2 – (Vuorikari, R., Kluzer, S., & Punie, Y., 2022), the AI Act (European Commission, 2023), the Council Recommendation on VET (2022), the Osnabrück Declaration (2021), and strategic goals related to the European Education Area and Horizon Europe. In doing so, it promotes key EU values such as democracy, equality, inclusion, human dignity and the protection of fundamental rights, while actively contributing to the EU’s digital and green transitions.

In addition to formal education, the project places strong emphasis on lifelong learning. It acknowledges that a significant proportion of the European population will require continuous re-skilling throughout their lives. Adult learners, whether employed, unemployed, or changing careers, face unique challenges related to digital literacy, motivation, and flexible learning formats. The project will therefore support lifelong learning providers and VET institutions, enabling them to adopt AI-based methodologies that support adult education and career development, while ensuring alignment with ethical and legal standards (e.g., GDPR, AI Act).

Moreover, the project directly responds to the scope and general objectives of the Erasmus+ call by supporting the organizational readiness and institutional capacity of higher education and VET systems to adopt Generative AI in an effective, ethical, and pedagogically sound way. Its implementation model involves close collaboration with public authorities at national, regional and local levels to ensure transferability, mainstreaming and policy alignment. The initiative is also inspired by and complements existing EU-funded actions such as DigiEduHack, which fosters open digital innovation through collaborative hackathons (DigiEduHack, 2023), and Girls Go Circular, which promotes gender equality in digital and green skills development (EIT, 2023).

The rationale for the project is further supported by a robust needs analysis. Several systemic barriers are currently limiting the potential of Generative AI in education. These include: the absence of policy guidance and institutional frameworks; disparities in access to technology and digital literacy; ethical and pedagogical risks such as algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and data privacy concerns; and the lack of structured training programs for educators and school leaders. The European Commission’s Ethical Guidelines for Educators (2022) and UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI (2021) both stress the importance of transparency, human oversight, inclusiveness, and digital responsibility in AI implementation. These considerations are central to the design and implementation of Forward AIe Skills.

To further support this dimension, the project explicitly draws upon the European Commission’s Ethical Guidelines on the Use of AI and Data in Teaching and Learning for Educators. These guidelines offer hands-on support—especially to primary and secondary school teachers—to help them understand the potential and risks of AI in education. They include concrete examples, ethical requirements, guiding questions, and emerging competences. Forward AIe Skills will integrate these guidelines into the development of its training resources and ethical frameworks, while also adapting them to the realities of adult learning and vocational education..

Building on this foundation, the project aims to establish a scalable and replicable European model for the ethical and effective use of Generative AI in education and training. Its methodology integrates research, co-creation, experimentation and policy development, involving a diverse network of stakeholders across multiple EU countries, including education ministries, universities, VET providers, EdTech companies, researchers, civil society organizations, and ethics experts.

In line with the Erasmus+ objectives, the project will promote digital and AI literacy through the development of learning materials and assessment tools that strengthen digital competence. In addressing the general objectives of the call, the project will promote digital and AI literacy by developing learning materials and assessment tools to enhance digital competencies, ensuring that educators and students are proficient in AI literacy. This aligns with the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens – DigComp – (2022), which sets standards for digital proficiency (European Commission, 2022). The project will also ensure ethical and inclusive AI use by establishing transparent, secure, and ethical AI use in education, in compliance with the AI Act and GDPR. It will define transparency criteria, prevent algorithmic biases, and ensure human oversight in AI applications (European Commission, 2023).

Furthermore, the project will foster innovation and collaboration by promoting open innovation and collaboration between educators, students, technologists, and policymakers. Inspired by initiatives such as DigiEduHack and Girls Go Circular, the project will reduce gender gaps and promote inclusivity in AI education, ensuring equitable access to AI resources and training (EIT, 2023). The project will also enhance institutional capacity by developing training modules and microcredentials for educators and students, ensuring that institutions are equipped to integrate AI into their curricula and teaching practices. This will be supported by a hybrid funding model, combining EU funding, private partnerships, and certification revenues, ensuring the sustainability of the project’s outcomes.

The project contributes to the priorities of the call by promoting inclusion and equity, ensuring equitable access to AI-driven education, particularly for underrepresented groups such as women and young people. Special training modules will target these groups, encouraging their participation in STEM fields and reducing gender gaps in AI education. The project also builds digital competencies by defining standards for AI literacy and digital proficiency, contributing to the updating of the DigComp framework. It will develop learning materials and assessment tools to enhance digital competencies, ensuring that educators and students are prepared for the AI-driven future.

In ensuring ethical AI use, the project will establish ethical guidelines for the use of Generative AI in education, ensuring compliance with the AI Act and GDPR. It will also incorporate the Ethical Guidelines for Educators on the Use of AI in Education, ensuring a safe and human-centered learning environment (UNESCO, 2021). The project fosters innovation and sustainability by promoting innovation in education through the development of AI-driven teaching methodologies and tools. It will also ensure the sustainability of its outcomes by analyzing the long-term transferability of project results across different educational contexts and sectors.

Through this approach, the project supports key priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Commission, including the promotion of equity, inclusion, sustainability, innovation, and the strengthening of a European Education Area built on digital sovereignty and ethical excellence. Its European added value is evident in its transnational dimension, which enables the sharing of best practices and co-development of adaptable solutions across borders. The project will provide actionable tools and outputs—such as microcredential training modules, customizable ethical guidelines, interactive digital resources, and AI-integrated platforms—that can be transferred and scaled in other countries or sectors. Furthermore, it fosters innovation through its adoption of state-of-the-art methods such as co-design, adaptive assessments, AI literacy benchmarking, and open educational technologies.

In conclusion, Forward AIe Skills is a bold, timely and strategically aligned initiative that advances the EU’s vision for the ethical, inclusive and transformative integration of digital technologies in education and training. By equipping learners and educators with the necessary skills to engage critically and confidently with AI, the project makes a significant contribution to Europe’s priorities in terms of competitiveness, sustainability, and democratic resilience.

It also supports the objectives of the Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027 and the Pact for Skills by encouraging the growth of AI-driven lifelong learning networks and promoting increased collaboration between education providers, employers, and public authorities.

To achieve these ambitions, Forward AIe Skills sets out the following general objectives:

The promotion of the ethical, inclusive, and human-centred integration of Generative AI across higher education, VET, and lifelong learning systems in Europe.
Enhance digital and AI literacy among educators, learners, and institutional leaders through tailored training, AI microcredentials, and open educational resources.
Institutional capacity will be strengthened by equipping education providers with scalable and pedagogically sound AI tools and platforms.
A European ethical and pedagogical framework for the responsible use of Generative AI in education should be developed, ensuring alignment with the AI Act, GDPR, and DigComp.
Foster innovation and transnational cooperation, enabling co-creation, mutual learning, and the sharing of best practices across EU countries and education sectors.
Advance equity and inclusion, with a special focus on underrepresented groups such as women, adults in need of upskilling/reskilling, and learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Inform educational policy by providing evidence-based recommendations that support the long-term integration of AI in European education systems.

Together, these objectives position Forward AIe Skills as a pivotal initiative for shaping the future of ethical AI adoption in education, empowering individuals, institutions, and policymakers to co-create a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient European learning ecosystem.

References:

Council Recommendation on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning. (2022, June 18). European Education Area. https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/improving-quality/key-competences#:~:text=The%20Council%20has%20adopted%20a%20Recommendation%20on%20Key,sustainable%20lifestyle%2C%20employability%2C%20active%20citizenship%20and%20social%20inclusion%3A

DigiEduHack. (2023). DigiEduHack: A global movement to promote digital education. European Commission. https://digieduhack.com/

EIT. (2023). Girls Go Circular: Empowering Women in STEM. European Institute of Innovation & Technology. https://eit-girlsgocircular.eu/

European Commission. (2021). Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027.
https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/digital-education/action-plan

European Commission: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. (2021). Osnabrück Declaration on vocational education and training as an enabler of recovery and just transitions to digital and green economies. Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2767/784423.

European Commission: Joint Research Centre, Vuorikari, R., Kluzer, S., & Punie, Y. (2022). DigComp 2.2, The Digital Competence framework for citizens : with new examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes, Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/115376

European Commission, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. (2022). Final report of the Commission expert group on artificial intelligence and data in education and training – Executive summary. Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/65087

European Commission, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. (2022). Ethical guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in teaching and learning for educators. Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/153756

European Commission. (2023). Proposal for the AI Act (COM/2021/206 final).
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021PC0206

UNESCO. (2021). Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381137

UNESCO. (2023). Global Education Monitoring Report: Technology in Education.
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000385723

Forward AIe Skills project is grounded in a comprehensive needs analysis that identifies critical gaps and challenges in the adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) in education and training across Europe. These challenges include the lack of institutional and policy frameworks, disparities in access and digital literacy, ethical and pedagogical risks, and insufficient training for educators and managers. The project’s objectives are designed to address these gaps systematically, ensuring that the integration of Generative AI in education is ethical, inclusive, and effective. Each objective is clear, measurable, realistic, and achievable within the project’s duration, with defined indicators to track progress and success.

Needs Analysis

The rapid advancement of Generative AI presents transformative opportunities for education, such as personalized learning, innovative teaching methodologies, and enhanced administrative efficiency. However, its adoption is hindered by several systemic barriers:

Lack of Institutional and Policy Frameworks: Only 7% of schools and 13% of universities have policies on the use of Generative AI (UNESCO, 2023). This gap highlights the need for clear guidelines and frameworks to ensure the ethical and effective use of AI in education.
Inequalities in Access and Digital Literacy: 44% of EU citizens lack basic digital skills, and only 39% of teachers feel prepared to use digital technologies in teaching (European Commission, 2021). These disparities underscore the need for initiatives that promote digital inclusion and equitable access to AI-driven education.
Ethical and Pedagogical Risks: Algorithmic biases, lack of transparency, insufficient human oversight, and data privacy concerns are critical barriers to the responsible adoption of Generative AI. Addressing these risks is essential to ensure that AI is used ethically and effectively in educational settings.
Insufficient Training for Educators and Managers: The lack of structured training programs for educators and school leaders hinders the effective integration of AI technologies. Building the capacity of educators and institutions is crucial for the successful adoption of AI in education.
Adult Learning Gaps: According to Eurostat (2023), 47% of EU adults still lack basic digital skills, with sharp generational gaps—only 28% of those aged 55–74 possess sufficient digital competences. Only 20% of workers engage in annual upskilling or reskilling, with participation rates even lower among vulnerable groups such as the unemployed and low-skilled workers. Sectors undergoing transformation—such as industry and energy—face critical skills shortages, with 62% of companies reporting difficulties recruiting qualified digital and green talent.

The Forward AIe Skills project directly addresses these gaps by promoting the ethical and inclusive use of Generative AI to support flexible, personalized, and skills-oriented learning pathways. By aligning with CEDEFOP’s strategic vision, the project aims to:

Enhance the responsiveness of VET systems through AI-powered tools that support modular, adaptive, and learner-centered approaches;
Facilitate re-skilling and up-skilling of adult learners, including NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and workers in transition, through tailored learning resources, AI-driven career guidance, and microcredentials;
Promote equity and inclusion by reducing access barriers to training, recognising informal competences, and offering flexible, on-demand learning formats that meet adult learners where they are.

Generative AI, when ethically designed and applied, holds the potential to transform lifelong learning into a more accessible, engaging, and effective experience, supporting both individual empowerment and labour market resilience across Europe.

Specific objectives:

To overcome these barriers and maximize the positive impact of Generative AI in education, Forward AIe Skills defines seven strategic objectives. These objectives are clear, measurable, realistic, and structured to support a phased and sustainable transformation—starting with research and ending with policy-level impact:

Objective 1:

Identify and analyze existing Generative AI initiatives in education.

Map current projects, tools, and institutional strategies across Europe to identify challenges, success factors, and replicable practices.

Key indicators:

Number of initiatives mapped (Baseline: 0; Target: 50)
Identification of key challenges and success factors (baseline: 0; target: 10).
Number of policy/literature reviews conducted (Baseline: 0; Target: 3)
Production of synthesis report and taxonomy of best practices (Baseline: 0; Target: 1)

Objective 2:

Develop ethical and pedagogical guidelines, assessment tools, and training materials for AI integration in education.

Develop a structured set of resources aligned with EU policies and EU frameworks such as DigComp, the AI Act, and GDPR , as also with ethical guidelines.

Key indicators:

Number of guidelines and toolkits produced (Baseline: 0; Target: 5)
Number of educators trained using these materials (baseline: 0; target: 500)
Satisfaction score from pilot users (Baseline: 0; Target: 4.5/5)

Objective 3:

Design and test innovative AI-based teaching and learning methodologies.

Create, implement, and evaluate pedagogical models that integrate Generative AI in inclusive, learner-centered ways, ensuring they are pedagogically sound and ethically aligned.

Key indicators:

Number of methodologies developed and tested (Baseline: 0; Target: 4)
Number of pilots conducted (including NEETs/low-qualified adults) (Baseline: 0; Target: 10; 4 with NEET)
Reported improvement in learning outcomes (Baseline: 0%; Target: 20%)

Objective 4:

Develop and deliver training courses and microcredential modules for educators, learners, and institutional leaders.

Promote AI literacy, critical thinking, and digital competence with a focus on equity, accessibility and critical thinking.

Key indicators:

Number of training modules created (Baseline: 0; Target: 10)
Number of microcredential modules created (Baseline: 0; Target: 5)
Number of participants trained (Baseline: 0; Target: 1,000)
Increase in AI literacy scores among participants (Baseline: 0%; Target: 30%)

Objective 5:

Implement pilot projects in Higher Education and VET institutions to assess the pedagogical and equity impacts of Generative AI.

Evaluate the real-world effects of AI applications on student engagement, institutional practices, and access to learning.

Key indicators:

Number of pilot sites and institutions involved (Baseline: 0; Target: 5)
Number of students, educators and staff participating (Baseline: 0; Target: ≥500)
Improvement in digital equity metrics (baseline: 0%; target: 15%).

Objective 6:

Foster inclusive adoption of AI in lifelong learning and adult education systems

Promote the integration of ethical, accessible, and personalized AI-based solutions to support the reskilling and upskilling of adult learners, with particular focus on VET institutions, NEETs, low-skilled workers, and career changers.

Key indicators:

Number of AI tools or use cases tailored to adult learners (e.g., personalized platforms, training modules modular, microcredential modules, AI career guidance, …): (Baseline: 0; Target: 5)
Number of adult learners reached through pilots or training activities (Baseline: 0; Target: ≥250)
Perceived benefits among adult learners -qualitative indicator-. (baseline: 0%; target: ≥75% of surveyed participants report at least one of the following: Increased motivation; Perceived improvement in employability; Flexibility or accessibility of learning).

Objective 7: Disseminate project results and develop EU-wide policy recommendations.

Ensure wide-scale visibility and uptake of project outputs, while contributing to evidence-informed policymaking.

Key indicators:

Number of transnational events and workshops organized (Baseline: 0; Target: ≥10)
Number of policy briefs or recommendations developed (Baseline: 0; Target: ≥5)
Number of participants/ stakeholders attending events (baseline: 0; target: 1,000).

KPIs Alignment Summary

Specific Objective	Work Package	KPI / Indicator	Expected Impact
Obj. 1: Map AI initiatives in education	WP3 – Research, Mapping & AI Competence Framework	Number of initiatives mapped (Target: 50); key challenges and success factors (Target: 10); Literature reviews (Target: 3); Synthesis report produced (Target: 1)	Societal and Policy Impact (Increased understanding of challenges and success factors; Overview of good practices to inform policy)
Obj. 2: Develop ethical/pedagogical guidelines and tools	WP2 – AI Policy Framework & Ethical Guidelines	Guidelines/toolkits produced (Target: 5); Educators trained (Target: 500); Satisfaction score (Target: 4.5/5)	Educational and Policy Impact (Adoption of quality methods for ethical AI use; Policy and institutional guidance)
Obj. 3: Design and test AI-based methodologies	WP3, WP4 – Research & Pilots	Methodologies developed/tested (Target: 4); Pilots conducted (Target: 10); Learning outcome improvement (Target: 20%)	Educational and Technological Impact (Uptake of effective pedagogical AI use; Practical integration of AI in diverse settings
Obj. 4: Develop training courses and microcredentials	WP5 – AI Microcredentials & Capacity Building	Training modules (Target: 10); Microcredentials (Target: 5); Participants (Target: 1,000); AI literacy improvement (Target: 30%)	Educational and Technological Impact (Enhanced AI literacy; Workforce readiness; Scalable training systems)
Obj. 5: Implement pilot projects in HEI and VET	WP4 – AI Digital Toolkit, Online Lab & Pilots	Pilot institutions (Target: 5); Participants (Target: 500+); Digital equity improvement (Target: 15%)	Educational and Technological Impact (Improved access and equity in AI adoption; Evidence-based evaluation of tools)
Obj. 6: Lifelong Learning Inclusion	WP4 – AI Digital Toolkit, Online Lab & Pilots; WP5 – AI Microcredentials & Capacity Building	AI tools or use cases (Target: 5); Number of adult learners involved (Target: ≥250); Perceived benefits (Target: ≥75% report positive results).	Educational and Technological Impact (Enhanced AI literacy; Workforce readiness; Improved access and equity in AI adoption; Evidence-based evaluation of tools; Scalable training systems)
Obj. 7: Disseminate results and policy impact	WP6 – Dissemination, Impact & Sustainability	Events/workshops (Target: ≥10); Policy briefs (Target: ≥5); Stakeholders reached (Target: 1,000); Outputs accessed (Target: 500+)	Economic and Policy Impact (Evidence- and practice-based policy initiatives; Long-term mainstreaming and system-level influence; leveraging key EU frameworks)

Objectives are directly aligned with the specific objectives of the Erasmus+ call, addressing the need for organizational readiness, institutional capacity building, and the ethical adoption of AI in education. By focusing on digital literacy, inclusivity, and ethical AI use, the project contributes to the EU’s broader goals of digital transformation, workforce readiness, and sustainable growth. The project’s emphasis on transnational collaboration and knowledge sharing ensures that its outcomes are scalable and transferable across different educational contexts and sectors.

The project’s European added value lies in its transnational dimension, which enables the sharing of best practices and the co-development of adaptable solutions across borders. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including educators, students, policymakers, and industry representatives, the project fosters a culture of inclusive innovation in education. The project’s outputs, such as training modules, ethical guidelines, and policy recommendations, are designed to be transferable across both formal and non-formal educational sectors, including adult learning and vocational training.

Partnership adopts state-of-the-art methodologies, such as co-design, adaptive assessments, and AI literacy benchmarking, to ensure that its outcomes are innovative and impactful. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and pedagogical approaches, the project sets a new standard for the ethical and effective integration of Generative AI in education, training, and lifelong learning.

Forward AIe Skills addresses critical gaps in the adoption of Generative AI in education, ensuring that its integration is ethical, inclusive, and effective. By aligning with the specific objectives of the Erasmus+ call, the project contributes to the EU’s broader goals of digital transformation, workforce readiness, and sustainable growth. Through its evidence-based approach, the project delivers tangible outcomes that enhance digital and AI literacy, promote ethical AI use, and foster innovation and collaboration in education. The project’s long-term impact will be felt across Europe, as it equips educators and learners with the skills to navigate the AI-driven future and contributes to a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive European learning ecosystem.

References:

Needs Analysis
The rapid advancement of Generative AI presents transformative opportunities for education, such as personalized learning, innovative teaching methodologies, and enhanced administrative efficiency. However, its adoption is hindered by several systemic barriers:
Lack of Institutional and Policy Frameworks: Only 7% of schools and 13% of universities have policies on the use of Generative AI (UNESCO, 2023). This gap highlights the need for clear guidelines and frameworks to ensure the ethical and effective use of AI in education.
Inequalities in Access and Digital Literacy: 44% of EU citizens lack basic digital skills, and only 39% of teachers feel prepared to use digital technologies in teaching (European Commission, 2021). These disparities underscore the need for initiatives that promote digital inclusion and equitable access to AI-driven education.
Ethical and Pedagogical Risks: Algorithmic biases, lack of transparency, insufficient human oversight, and data privacy concerns are critical barriers to the responsible adoption of Generative AI. Addressing these risks is essential to ensure that AI is used ethically and effectively in educational settings.
Insufficient Training for Educators and Managers: The lack of structured training programs for educators and school leaders hinders the effective integration of AI technologies. Building the capacity of educators and institutions is crucial for the successful adoption of AI in education.
Based on this analysis, the project defines six specific objectives, each supported by concrete and measurable indicators to ensure their realistic and timely achievement within the project’s implementation cycle:
Objective 1: Identify and analyze existing Generative AI initiatives in education.
Map current projects, tools, and institutional strategies across Europe to identify challenges, success factors, and replicable practices.Indicators:
Number of initiatives mapped (Baseline: 0; Target: 50)
Identification of key challenges and success factors (baseline: 0; target: 10).
Number of policy/literature reviews conducted (Baseline: 0; Target: 3)
Production of synthesis report and taxonomy of best practices (Baseline: 0; Target: 1)

Objective 2: Create ethical and pedagogical guidelines, assessment tools, and training materials for AI integration in education.
Develop a structured set of resources aligned with EU policies and EU frameworks such as DigComp, the AI Act, and GDPR , as also with ethical guidelines.Indicators:
Number of guidelines and toolkits produced (Baseline: 0; Target: 5)
Number of educators trained using these materials (baseline: 0; target: 500)
Satisfaction score from pilot users (Baseline: 0; Target: 4.5/5)

Objective 3: Design and test innovative AI-based teaching and learning methodologies.
Create, implement, and evaluate pedagogical models that integrate Generative AI in inclusive, learner-centered ways, ensuring they are pedagogically sound and ethically aligned.Indicators:
Number of methodologies developed and tested (Baseline: 0; Target: 4)
Number of pilots conducted (Baseline: 0; Target: 10)
Reported improvement in learning outcomes (Baseline: 0%; Target: 20%)

Objective 4: Develop and deliver training courses and microcredential modules for educators, learners, and institutional leaders.
Promote AI literacy, critical thinking, and digital competence with a focus on equity, accessibility and critical thinking.Indicators:
Number of training modules created (Baseline: 0; Target: 10)
Number of microcredential modules created (Baseline: 0; Target: 5)
Number of participants trained (Baseline: 0; Target: 1,000)
Increase in AI literacy scores among participants (Baseline: 0%; Target: 30%)

Objective 5: Implement pilot projects in Higher Education and VET institutions to assess the pedagogical and equity impacts of Generative AI.
Evaluate the real-world effects of AI applications on student engagement, institutional practices, and access to learning.Indicators:
Number of pilot sites and institutions involved (Baseline: 0; Target: 5)
Number of students, educators and staff participating (Baseline: 0; Target: ≥500)
Improvement in digital equity metrics (baseline: 0%; target: 15%).

Objective 6: Disseminate project results and develop EU-wide policy recommendations.
Ensure wide-scale visibility and uptake of project outputs, while contributing to evidence-informed policymaking. Indicators:
Number of transnational events and workshops organized (Baseline: 0; Target: ≥10)
Number of policy briefs or recommendations developed (Baseline: 0; Target: ≥5)
Number of participants/ stakeholders attending events (baseline: 0; target: 1,000).

It is evident that Forward AIe Skills, in conjunction with all preceding EU projects initiated by partners, is in complete alignment with the Erasmus guidelines. These guidelines encompass the following principles: (i) COMMON VALUES (aims; ambition and long-term impact and vision for collaboration; inclusion of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; inclusivity of all in the education and training life cycle; diversity of IAe tools and spaces for learning, sharing, discussion and co-creation), and (ii) DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, which is updated and adapted to suit the diverse learning environments.(Annex 1.Long Term Vision).

The preceding undertakings between partnership have been associated with pioneering approaches, methodologies and practices concerning the utilisation of ICT in education:

i)Transnational Dimension

EU financed Projects:

Creation of an European Alliance ACE2EU;
Erasmus+ Project AI-based ARTIFIGEN – 2024-1-CY01-KA220-HED-000256806 – Chatbot GPT integration coaching toolkit;
KA2 Erasmus Project AI-based VERFISUM – Virtual Escape Room: Future Jobs Integration – Supporting Ukraine and Migrants;
Erasmus+ Project PREDICT – 2022-1-PT01-KA220-VET-000085485 – Jobs of the Future with AI 4 VET inclusion. https://predict.ipsantarem.pt/.

Portuguese financed Projects:

AI2Learn – Artificial Intelligence to Learning. https://doi.org/10.54499/CPCA-IAC/AF/592080/2023

Research and Innovation:

Handbook co-creation related to Artificial Intelligence (Koceski, S., Koceska, N., Marques, A., Barbas, M. P., Madeira, F., Rodrigues, D., Teles Vieira, A., Torres, A. L. M. O. C., Ferreira, B., Vinhal, G., Elias, G., & Rendeiro, M. (Eds.). (2024). Artificial intelligence. Pro Universitaria. https://doi.org/10.52744/978-606-26-1943-5. ISBN 978-606-26-1943-5)

Ethic Expertise:

Ethic Issues-Marie Curie PHD call

Platforms Engagement:

DigicompEDU skills adoption a HEI Innovate https://heinnovate.eu/en;
New European Bauhaus – https://new-european-bauhaus.europa.eu/community-core-new-european-bauhaus/official-neb-partners_en;
EURAXESS – https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/

ii) Impact (on society, geography, education, technology and policy).

Involvement in EU projects with people from disadvantaged backgrounds, with geographical balance in the countries involved, and the development of ICT educational materials using innovative methodologies and methods, with the support of the latest technological instruments. The main goal is to make policy changes in Europe.

iii) Transferring results to other countries not involved in the proposal

Taking part in the Foreu4ALL initiatives to encourage collaboration and share good practices (reports; collaboration in topical groups).

iv) Cross-border cooperation

International collaboration with the Ibero-American network METARED (Women in ICT; Educational Technologies; Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation).

The ADDED VALUE of this project is linked to:

ADOPT EU RECOMMENDATIONS: Create effective activities based on EU reports and recommendations. These include “European Union’s Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027”; “Union of Skills”, “Unesco Ethics of Artificial Intelligence”, “DigCompEdu”, “Much more than a Market”, “Align, Act and Accelerate to boost European digital competitiveness”. The goal is to make AIeSkills more competitive in a green ecosystem for everyone. (align with Working Packages 1,2)
ACTION_”SPHERES” of Forward AIe Skills. Contribute to deliver European added value by focusing on collaboration between different actors (e.g. universities and societal needs) and experimental procedures to test and evaluate new programmes and technological instruments. (align with Working Packages 3,4)
WORKFORCE SKILLS. Focus on learning and training to spread knowledge about AIe Skills to boost research and innovation (AIeLAB). (align with Working Package 5)

SPEED UP SHARING. Involve sharing and using Forward AIe Skills results through cooperation between different countries, such as through the European Alliances by FOReu4ALL initiatives and also through cross-border cooperation (METARED and RIAL international networks). (align with Working Package 6)