GIST Project - Slovenia

The Slovenian project GIST, 'Fostering the digitalisation and bionic transformation of SMEs through the development of a novel and innovative training material for overcoming the COVID-19 crisis', started in spring 2021 and ended in May 2023. The project was funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

The aim of the project was to produce learning materials that strengthened the ability to use new technologies during the education and training processes, thus equipping new staff to enable the bionic transformation of SMEs. The materials were drafted in English and translated into the languages of the Project Partnership (French, Croatian, German, Polish, Slovenian and Spanish) - and remain available and accessible via the online learning platform. The Project Partnership signed Memoranda of Cooperation with the Higher Expert School (Ptuj School) and the Private Institute Praxis (Zagreb), which use the materials and tools for education developed under the GIST project in their educational work.

Learning paths and skillsets 

Four learning options were offered, depending on four different profiles from which the user can choose:

• Bioconversion facilitator in the company
• General bionic transformation facilitator
• Facilitator to bionic transformation
• Bionic Transformation (BT) facilitator

The skills acquired provided learners with the knowledge needed to prepare and manage the process of bionic transformation of the company, both as part of a learning process that complements vocational education and for training employees in individual companies to acquire new skills and competences. 

Why is this a good practice? 

It is precisely this platform that represents the added value of the project, as it enabled the self-use of materials, consolidation and examination possibilities and, at the end of the learning process, the participant also obtained a certificate of acquired knowledge and competences, which was validated by the ECVET system. The Slovenian initiatives scored high in accessibility: despite the project's end date, resources and supporting project materials remain available on GIST's website. In addition the project achieved the following results: 

GIST Training Path Definition 

Within the project's scope, a core learning path was developed, with its respective training modules and units designed to address the specific needs of the VET (Vocational Education and Training) Sector. The learning path is based on a key study, which takes stock and account of current trends in building knowledge, skills and qualifications to support a better understanding of the digital transformation. The result is a Joint Curriculum that defines the needed learning outcomes and tackles previously identified skill gaps. To guarantee the sustainability of the learning path, the curricula itself has gone through the validation of key target groups, associated partners and stakeholders. 

GIST Training Content Development 

The training course, which follows the formulation of the learning path described above (and developed by the project) addresses a range of topics, organised in microlearning modules - a well-known technique in capturing learners' attention and making material easier to comprehend as it is broken apart in smaller, readable chunks of information. The microlearning modules developed within the project include: I) Introduction to digital transformation; II) Industry 4.0 Key Enabling Technologies for Bionic transformation of SMEs; III) Transversal skills for Bionic transformation of SMEs and IV) Leadership skills for Bionic transformation of SMEs. The project was primarily focused on companies in the furniture sector, a traditionally craft-based industry facing significant pressure to digitalise and upskill its workforce. This output of the project is also perhaps the most useful one for traditional companies in the furniture sector to speed up the digital transformation of their business and business processes. The training course and the general methodology remain available for other centres and professional organisations and could be adapted for other manufacturing industries.