The Erasmus+ ProDiT project (Project Reference: 621745-EPP-1-2020-1-DE-EPPKA2-KA) fosters collaboration and skills for digital transformation in higher education. As part of this mission, Erasmus+ ProDiT, in cooperation with the Erasmus+ NomadTrail project, supported the organisation of the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Sustainability and Quality.” The programme was hosted by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) in Bilbao from 22 to 30 November 2024.
This initiative brought together students from the Fachhochschule Dortmund (FhDo) and the UPV/EHU. The programme explored the integration of sustainability into product development and management. It also included the Agile Management in Virtual Project Environments (AMVPE) approach and the Sustainability Digital Transformation (SDT) pilot teaching. Students from FhDo joined their peers in Bilbao for this hybrid learning setting.
The event featured insightful workshops and lectures by experts. Dr. Pello Jimbert (UPV/EHU) introduced the EFQM Model for organisational quality, highlighting its role in fostering excellence and adaptability.
- Dr. Peter Arras (KU Leuven), a ProDiT partner, discussed the environmental impact of food systems and presented resource-efficient strategies for sustainable food production.
- Dr. Carolina Cruz (UPV/EHU) showcased the Digital Sustainability Canvas (DSC), a tool developed within ProDiT, tested during the pilot teaching to align digital initiatives with sustainability goals.
- Dr. Maider Iturrondobeitia (UPV/EHU) provided an in-depth analysis of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), emphasising its importance in reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.
These sessions combined theory and practical applications, offering participants valuable tools and strategies for tackling sustainability challenges.
Participants applied their knowledge to practical challenges in sustainability and quality while working in interdisciplinary international teams. Beyond academic engagement, the programme enriched cultural understanding through activities that showcased Basque traditions, gastronomy, and intercultural competence-building sessions.
This initiative aligns with ProDiT’s objectives of promoting shared competency models and innovative methodologies in higher education. It paves the way for a digitally skilled and sustainability-focused future. The UPV/EHU continues to lead in international collaboration and sustainability, preparing students to address global challenges.
