B-Skills

Thus, the project B-Skills aims at supporting educators and adult learners with training and supporting materials for the achievement of basic digital skills related to Blockchain technology. The adult learners will achieve these fundamental skills through flexible and motivating training paths, materials, and tools to prepare them for taking advantage of the technology in their daily life and work. The partnership includes seven complementary partners coming from six different countries: Learnable (Italy), company expert in disruptive educational methodologies, the Technology Park of Andalucía, and The University of Malaga (Spain), the European Center of Entrepreneurship Competence & Excellence – ECECE (Austria), the creative studio Flow Productions (Portugal), and the non-profit organizations Edu Playground (Bulgaria) and Social Hackers (Greece).

The project, co-funded by the Erasmus + program of the European Union, has officially started in February 2022 and will last for 26 months.

Title: Unlocking Austria's Future: The Vital Role of Blockchain

Author: ECECE (www.ecece.org), Partner of the Erasmus+ B-Skills Project

Blockchain technology is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in numerous industries worldwide, and Austria is no exception. As a partner of the Erasmus+ B-Skills project, we at ECECE (European Center for Excellence in Blockchain, www.ecece.org) recognize the growing importance of blockchain technology in Austria. In this article, we delve into the significance of blockchain in the Austrian context, focusing on its potential to reshape various sectors, and the role of the Erasmus+ B-Skills project in fostering blockchain knowledge among adult learners.Austria, a nation long known for its innovation and technological prowess, is actively embracing blockchain technology. Various sectors are experiencing the impact of blockchain, with government, industry, and education being at the forefront of this digital transformation. Regulations in Austria reflect a proactive approach to blockchain technology. The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) has introduced guidelines for cryptocurrencies and initial coin offerings (ICOs), ensuring investor protection and transparency. These regulations have created a conducive environment for blockchain businesses to thrive.The FMA's guidelines are a testament to Austria's commitment to responsible blockchain adoption, providing legal clarity and security for both investors and businesses. One of the best practices in Austria's blockchain landscape is the collaboration between government, academia, and industry. The Austrian Blockchain Center, a joint initiative involving academic institutions and businesses, fosters research and development in blockchain technology. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that blockchain innovations are both cutting-edge and practical. This collaborative model serves as an example for other countries looking to develop their blockchain ecosystems. Several notable companies in Austria have emerged as leaders in the blockchain space. RIDDLE&CODE, a Vienna-based blockchain solutions provider, specializes in secure hardware wallets and authentication solutions. Additionally, Bitpanda, a Vienna-based cryptocurrency exchange, has gained recognition for its user-friendly platform and compliance with financial regulations. These companies exemplify Austria's entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in blockchain technology. Recognizing the importance of blockchain skills in the modern workforce, educational institutions in Austria have started offering blockchain courses. The Erasmus+ B-Skills project, partnered with ECECE, is a prime example, aiming to equip adult learners with essential blockchain knowledge. As the business landscape evolves, blockchain skills are becoming increasingly valuable, making educational initiatives like the Erasmus+ B-Skills project crucial for workforce development.

The partners

Learnable (Coordinator)

Learnable is a community of experts working for years on the development of innovative educational practices. Learnable focuses to support European learners in acquiring soft and hard competencies that enable people to achieve their goals both in their work and life. Learnable is active in different sectors such as adult education, VET education, schools and higher education, promoting innovative educational methodologies in different fields such digital innovation, inclusion, linguistic skills, green economy and entrepreneurship. The community seeks innovative solutions in order to make education accessible and inclusive. Learnable supports the implementation of innovative educational methodologies aimed at enhancing the quality of the training offer, and supporting school-to-work transition and employability of the learners.

Link: https://www.learnable-europe.eu/#welcome

Málaga TechPark

Málaga TechPark, inaugurated in 1992 in Málaga (Spain), has become a great hub of innovative attraction in Andalucía and Europe, with both technology and innovation being key to its development. The Technopolis is an international benchmark that can be described as an encouraging focus of attraction for innovative companies and an ecosystem for high-tech companies and entrepreneurs.

Málaga TechPark has been specially designed to house all types of entities dealing with innovation. The Technopolis is a point of international reference in terms of science and technology parks where the Information Technologies sector dominate, both in Research and Development, and the manufacture of equipment and services, with an innovative and environmentally friendly approach. Other sectors present in the park are energy, engineering, circular economy, industrial, agri-food, biotechnology, among others. With over 630 businesses, and several key agents in the Andalusian Knowledge System, such as the University and its research groups, over 20.000 employees, an area of 200 hectares with an expansion project in progress, the PTA can be considered one of the main focuses for innovation and economic development in Andalusia.

Link: https://www.pta.es/en/

Flow Productions

Flow Productions is a creative studio based in Faro engaged in studying and designing the most suitable digital solutions for various sectors such as Education, Health, Events, Cybersecurity and E-business. The entity collaborates with local companies, public authorities, educational centres and associations developing apps, games, videos, 2D animation, software, photography, design work and any other digital artefact. The company offers the following services: – Web/Mobile Applications – Educational online solutions – Graphic Design – Video Production – Digital Marketing – Content Strategy. By maintaining a commitment to research, the company is constantly up to date with new developments and techniques, able to evaluate its relevance and technical performance for individual projects. Flow Productions has been involved in different projects with local and European universities and public authorities such as in Germany and Estonia. It also has established a partnership called Ibericc Global between the Spanish province of Andalucia and the Portuguese Regional authority of Algarve, where the company is based, working on developing exchanges of ideas and synergies between the two institutions.

Link: https://www.flowproductions.pt/en

European Center of Entrepreneurship Competence & Excellence – ECECE (Austria)

E.C.E.C.E. is an international non-profit organization designed to promote and develop innovative pedagogical methodologies for the adult sector with focus on digital education and entrepreneurship. The NGO supports potential entrepreneurs and adults in general, in building their future careers and businesses, helping them to achieve their full potential in business and personal life through design thinking and collaborative learning. Its mission is to develop an innovative and entrepreneurial culture that enables young and adult learners to achieve their goals in life and business. ECECE continually researches new ideas, and values to generate new strategies for creating a positive lifelong learning environment. It cooperates with different international experts and organizations throughout Europe experimenting and designing new ways to foster growth and create business opportunities.

Link: http://www.ecece.org/

Social Hacker (Greece)

Social Hackers Academy (SHA) is a non-profit organization established in Athens (Greece), specialized in delivering training paths to young people and adults in general. SHA is committed to ensuring equal access to education, labor market and a future-proof career. The mission of the organization is to support vulnerable groups (adults with a low level of skills, refugees, migrants, unemployed, etc.) in getting access to quality tech education that leads to employment and a future-proof career. In this regard, the main goal of the entity is to integrate back into society people belonging to vulnerable groups, providing them digital and soft skills through dedicated training paths, seminars, meetups and workshops. The working areas of SHA are:

• Education and Training: designing and delivering IT educational and training curricula

• Link to local companies: establishing relationships with tech companies and startups through meetups, events, and career days

• Digital Inclusion: designing and delivering training paths for vulnerable groups through the integration of good-case practices

• IT Tools: the creation of applications, websites, and e-learning platforms

• Capacity Building: doing capacity building activities to expand the educational and training model in other sectors and contexts

Link: http://www.socialhackersacademy.org

Edu Playground

Edu Playground is a non-profit organization committed to reskilling adult people through lifelong learning opportunities. Edu Playground develops national and international projects for the creation of educational tools that make adult learning more attractive, promoting active citizenship and skills development, and providing high-quality learning through a collaborative approach across the whole Europe. The mission of Edu Playground is to foster and support the sustainable development of local communities and individuals’ empowerment through education and training, human rights, democratic values and international cooperation. The organization is oriented on accessing social rights for adults and youth, also fighting against discrimination, violence, xenophobia and exclusion. Edu Playground collaborates with municipalities, schools, local and national media and with different newspapers and online news media. In addition, the NGO also works on different marketing projects and have lengthy experience in providing digital skills and learning methodologies.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/eduplaygroundbulgaria/

The results

The project aims at increasing the supply of high-quality training provision for adult learners through the creation of flexible and engaging training focused on the technology Blockchain. This will allow adults to take advantage of one of the most disruptive technologies of the last few years, improving their access to digital services in every aspect of life and their employment opportunities. The project will produce the following tangible results:

• B-Skills Toolkit: it provides educators with supporting materials and tools, necessary to implement, support, manage and assess effective training on blockchain for adult learners

B-Skills Toolkit

B-Skills Toolkit Platform

• B-Skills Simulator: it is a game-based online simulator reproducing in a visual way how Blockchain works. It will allow adult learners to understand in a simple way complex concepts related to Blockchain providing an accessible and motivating environment to promote adult learners’ engagement

B-Skills Simulator

• B-Skills MOOC: it consists in an open web-based training course for adult learners supporting the achievement of basic digital competences related to Blockchain. It will enable adult learners to access digital services and employment opportunities provided by the Blockchain technology

B-Skills MOOC