Researcher and consortium awarded €400k grant to lead EU project

Dr Dimitrios Vlachopoulos, associate professor in the department of Technology and Operations at Management Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM), has received an EU grant of €400,000 to lead the development of the EcoDigify project for the digital transformation of the adult education sector. In collaboration with a consortium that includes other prominent European institutions, Dr Vlachopoulos aims to spearhead an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable digitalisation to benefit students, educators and the wider community. This ambitious project and groundbreaking initiative is set to transform how digital technologies are taught and developed in academic institutions.

Leading the way in sustainable digitalisation

Starting in September 2024 and finishing in early 2027, Dr Vlachopoulos will lead the development of the EcoDigify project and the Sustainable Digital Transformation Academy, culminating in the creation of a cutting-edge Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Dr Vlachopoulos and his colleagues will train their focus on green practices within the digital sector in a consortium with Linkopings Universitet (Sweden-coordinator), International Hellenic University (Greece), Università Ca' Foscari Venezia (Italy), Stimmuli for Social Change (Greece).

The consortium’s contributions will draw on expertise in instructional design and blended learning, which are crucial in the creation of engaging and impactful educational experiences. The Sustainable Digital Transformation Academy is designed to inspire students to take a more active role in sustainability and to equip them with vital competencies in green digital technologies.

A future-oriented approach

At the heart of the EcoDigify project is the creation of a forward-thinking university programme, which will bring together experts in digitalisation and sustainability to address the complex challenges of promoting sustainability within digital practices. The project aims to equip teaching staff with new knowledge in sustainable digitalisation, and to empower them to integrate these principles into their courses and offer students the opportunity to co-create sustainable digital solutions.

Transforming education for a greener future

The EcoDigify project’s overarching goal is to promote a greener digital transformation by developing a programme for educators to establish sustainable digitalisation across disciplines. More than 120 students across Europe are expected to participate in the pilot programmes. For university educators there will be a blended training programme on sustainable digitalisation and a practical framework for future curricula. It will offer a set of policy recommendations so other institutions can replicate its ideas.

Addressing the gaps

There is a growing need for effective educational strategies and tools for addressing sustainability in the digital world. Focusing on the emerging field of sustainable digitalisation means educators and students can understand how these technologies can support the green transition.

More information

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools. RSM provides ground-breaking research and education furthering excellence in all aspects of management and is based in the international port city of Rotterdam – a vital nexus of business, logistics and trade. RSM’s primary focus is on developing business leaders with international careers who can become a force for positive change by carrying their innovative mindset into a sustainable future. Our first-class range of bachelor, master, MBA, PhD and executive programmes encourage them to become critical, creative, caring and collaborative thinkers and doers. www.rsm.nl

For more information about RSM or this release, please contact Erika Harriford-McLaren, communications manager for RSM, on +31 10 408 2877 or by email at harriford@rsm.nl.