The establishment of micro-credentials as a third type of degree next to Bachelor and Master is heavily debated within the Higher Education (HE) landscape in Europe – but at the same time, already a reality.
Micro-credentials have become an important component in the context of life-long learning and skills training. The European HE consortiums like the EIT KIC`s or the European University Networks in particular are highly interested in developing joint micro-credentials for their undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students. In order to embed joint micro-credentials within a network of geographically distant academic institutions, digital content available to all students within the networks serves as an important vehicle.
The European University Network ENHANCE – European University of Technology Alliance is one of the first to start out with a micro-credential in Sustainable Entrepreneurship. This micro-credential is inspired by the minor’s subject in the United States’ education system in scope, but is based in content on the Master Programme Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability as offered at Technische Universität Berlin. It is offered partly digitally.
There are several challenges in establishing the new micro-credential programmes such as accessibility, joint recognition, governance, legal frameworks, and quality management. The case of the micro-credential Sustainable Entrepreneurship at ENHANCE shows how these challenges can be mastered and serves as an example of how the European HE landscape might be enriched with joint micro-credentials based on digital content.