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DAISSy-HOU representative re-elected at the Board of Directors of ALL-DIGITAL paneuropean Network

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The DAISSy Research Group of Hellenic Open University (HOU) participated in the General Assembly (GA) 2025 of the ALL DIGITAL (AD) pan-European network,  which took place on May 12 and 13, 2025 in Brussels (Belgium).

AD is one of the leading European Networks for enhancing the digital skills and competences of all individuals in Europe and represents 111 member organisations with over 25,000 Digital Competence Centres. The number of members is constantly increasing, demonstrating in practice the valuable work that the Network does and the importance of its operation.

The DAISSy-HOU was represented at the AD General Assembly 2025 by Achilles Kameas, Professor at HOU, Director of DAISSy, and Eleni Georgakakou, Coordinator of Strategic Cooperation and Communication, Senior Project Manager and Head Researcher of DAISSy, who were actively involved in co-designing the future of the AD, shaping new membership services, attracting additional projects and forming innovative initiatives.

It is noteworthy that since 2016, DAISSy-HOU has been an active member of AD, and the National Coordinator of various initiatives of the Network, enhancing the visibility and dissemination of relevant good practices in Greece. Achilles Kameas has served as a Member of the Board of Directors for eight (8) years, holding its Presidency for the period of 2019-2021, leaving a strong imprint of his innovative ideas.

The baton on the Board of Directors of the AD Network is handed to Ms. Eleni Georgakakou, who was duly elected with a strong majority during the 2025 General Assembly and will serve the vision of the Network as the AD Vice President for the next two years. Her election confirms the leading role of the DAISSy Research Group internationally, with regard to developing digital skills and combating digital exclusion, which the team is keen on performing with vision and dedication.

Stay tuned, learn more about the 2025 General Assembly of the ALL DIGITAL network and watch a recorded number of speeches at: https://all-digital.org/all_digital_general_assembly_2025/

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For more information about the projects and other activities of the DAISSy-HOU:

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DAISSy-HOU calls for participation in the GenderED-Coalition MOOC completed by 30.6.2025

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logo-genderedThe DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) invites you to participate in the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) entitled “Towards a Gender-Sensitive Media and Information Literacy”, offered within the framework of the European project “GenderED Coalition: A cross-country coalition against gender disinformation for equitable societies” , currently undergoing  by DAISSy-HOU as the Greek partner.

The GenderED Coalition MOOC aims to educate participants on the core concepts of gender-based discrimination and media disinformation, with a particular focus on social media. It also enhances the participants’ skills in recognizing and combating gender disinformation, ultimately promoting gender equality and human rights in the digital sphere.

Specifically, the MOOC targets:

  • Students interested in gender equality and media literacy
  • Journalists and media professionals
  • Educators and researchers
  • Human rights activists
  • Artists and content creators

Key features of the MOOC, are the following:

  • It is asynchronous, allowing for self-paced attendance.
  • It is free of charge and offered in English.
  • It includes four thematic modules, namely:
    • Developing Critical Awareness of Gender Stereotypes
    • Fostering Empathy and Intersectional Understanding
    • Supporting Gender-Sensitive Content Creation
    • Networking and Advocacy to Counter Gender Disinformation
  • It is available from April 1st to June 30th, 2025 (1st cycle).
  • Registration is open and mandatory, via submitting a respective online form.
  • A certificate of completion will be provided to participants who successfully complete the course.

Stay tuned and explore more details about the GenderED Coalition MOOC. Take the opportunity to become part of an initiative that promotes gender equality and responsible media use!

GenderED Coalition is a two-year project co-funded by the European Union’s CREA programme, implemented by a consortium of five (5) partners, namely FORMA.Azione (Italy), Savoir Devenir (France), SDA (Bulgaria), BISI (Bulgaria) and the DAISSy Research Group of HOU (Greece).

The project tackles gender disinformation as a foundation for just societies. It addresses media literacy and gender equality in an effort to shed light on the phenomena of gender disinformation and online gender-based violence, especially on social media platforms.

For more information about the GenderED Coalition project and other activities of DAISSy-HOU:

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DAISSy-HOU Raises Awareness Against Gender Disinformation through GenderED-Coalition

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logo-genderedThe project “GenderED Coalition: A cross-country coalition against gender disinformation for equitable societies” is a pan-European initiative aiming at highlighting and tackling the phenomenon of gender disinformation and online gender-based violence. Currently, it is undergoing by the DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU), as the Greek partner, with the ultimate goal of informing and empowering social media users to recognize and respond to gender disinformation and gender-based discrimination.

Within this framework, the project puts emphasis on raising public awareness through targeted actions that spark interest and challenge complacency. A key initiative in this regard was the Citizen Hackathon, successfully held in September 2024 in Perugia, Italy. The event brought together fifty (50) young activists from across Europe. Through dynamic interaction, participants explored the design and development of digital awareness campaigns that challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination, while proposing empowering narratives and ideas for new initiatives.

The Citizen Hackathon led to a series of campaign ideas, which were further developed—with the support of local content creators in each country—into full-scale awareness campaigns against gender disinformation. A key goal was to involve well-known public figures to endorse the campaigns on various social media platforms, thereby increasing their reach and impact. Notably, DAISSy-HOU successfully gained the support of highly respected professionals in Greece, namely (in alphabetical order) Anastasia Giamali (journalist, radio producer, and TV presenter), Katerina Sergidou (journalist and translator), Vasilis Thanopoulos (journalist and editor-in-chief of Antivirus magazine), Athina Tsagkaraki (screenwriter).

These public figures responded positively and enthusiastically to DAISSy-HOU’s invitation, acknowledging the importance of the initiative, and the Research Group is deeply thankful for their support. The campaigns’ impact has been remarkable, since total views on Instagram and TikTok have already surpassed 4.7 million and 1.1 million. respectively.

For more information about the GenderED Coalition awareness-raising actions against gender disinformation, visit www.weareallsexistbro.gr, and the following Instagram and TikTok posts:

GenderED Coalition is a two-year project, co-funded by the CREA programme of the European Union, and implemented by a consortium of five (5) partners: FORMA.Azione (Italy), Savoir Devenir (France), SDA (Bulgaria), BISI (Bulgaria), and the DAISSy Research Group of HOU (Greece). The project addresses gender disinformation as a critical issue for building fairer societies. It focuses on media literacy and gender equality, shedding light on the phenomenon of gender-based disinformation and online violence across social media.

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For more information about the GenderED Coalition project and other actions of DAISSy-HOU:

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DAISSy-HOU successfully completes another european project on critical thinking and media-literacy

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logo-cralThe three-year, european co-funded, project entitled “Creative Audiovisual Lab for the Promotion of Critical Thinking and Media Literacy (CrAL)“, where the DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) has served as the only Greek partner, was completed with success.

More precisely, the CrAL project aimed at promoting critical thinking and media literacy by providing an innovative methodology that included audiovisual tools and the concept of a “Lab” for the education and training of teachers and subsequently their students. The project was implemented by a consortium of seven (7) partners from six (6) countries, namely Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Lithuania and Spain.

The DAISSy-HOU, being the only Greek partner, was responsible for the implementation of all CrAL activities in Greece, ensuring high quality and compliance with the project objectives. In addition, the Research Group was actively involved in all intellectual products and deliverables of the CrAL project and responsible for the coordination of both the overall Quality Assurance and the development and support of the operation of the CrAL online educational platform, a pivotal tool for teachers and trainers. Lastly, DAISSy-HOU was also responsible for the dissemination of the project results in Greece, enhancing their sustainability and safeguarding their impact.

Overall, the CrAL project developed and delivered a comprehensive training program that included valuable materials and guidelines for the training of teachers and trainers in five (5) partners’ languages (Croatian, Italian, Lithuanian, Spanish and Greek), while more than three hundred fifty (350) registered users had the opportunity to learn how to integrate critical thinking and media literacy into their lessons in class, by using audiovisual tools and technologies through the CrAL platform, open to all and offered free of charge.

For more information on projects and activities of DAISSy-HOU:

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DAISSy-HOU starts implementing the “DIDACTIVE” European project

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logo-didactiveThe “DIDACTIVE – Develop Innovation in Digital and Agency Competences Training for Inclusive Vocational Education” European project has been launched recently by the DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU), the Greek partner, so as to transform Vocational Education and Training (VET) by empowering adults to take control of their personal and professional growth. The fundamental aim of DIDACTIVE is to create innovative, inclusive training environments that help individuals, particularly those facing vulnerability, overcome barriers to achieving their life and career goals.

More precisely, DIDACTIVE is driven by the belief that today’s VET systems must evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. By focusing on “self-agency,” or the ability of individuals to direct their own lives and learning, DIDACTIVE seeks to build training frameworks that support adults in making proactive, reflective decisions about their futures. This new approach is designed in order to help adults thrive in a knowledge-based economy and foster greater societal participation.

Through a flexible and inclusive model, DIDACTIVE will pilot new approaches to VET across the EU, focusing on individuals at risk of exclusion. The project recently held its kick-off meeting in Vienna, where partners from six European countries collaborated on strategic priorities and a work plan that includes developing a blended training course, a methodological framework, and a community toolkit for educators. As the Didactive Project rolls out, it will continue to develop resources, host collaborative sessions, and test new training methods. Updates on project progress and tools will be available to stakeholders, educators, and the broader community interested in supporting inclusive vocational training.

The DAISSy Research Group of the HOU will be actively involved in all project deliverables. Being a key partner, DAISSy-HOU will contribute its educational and technological expertise and it will be responsible for:

  • Coordination of Work Package (WP 3): This WP supports educational innovation by developing a transnational didactic model to foster transversal and digital skills, creating effective methodologies and tools for both physical and digital learning contexts, and improving professionals’ practical and methodological capacities to support adults at risk of social and work exclusion. Therefore, it promotes a sustainable and flexible blended learning pathway that encourages active listening and user participation. DAISSy-HOU will set the schedule, ensuring compliance, and serving as the liaison between partners. Leveraging its expertise in designing and implementing blended learning pathways, the Research Group oversees all WP3 activities, participates alongside with other partners, and merges individual contributions into unified, transnational results.
  • Implementation of training programmes: DAISSy-HOU will become the community animator and be responsible for the drafting and translation of the Guidelines and Toolkit.
  • Research and Analysis: It will provide information for the research report and the Framework.
  • Participation in Dissemination & Multiplier Events: Organizing and contributing to webinars and events, DAISSy-HOU will disseminate the project’s outcomes and engage key stakeholders.
  • Expertise Contribution: the Research Group will be thoroughly involved in updating the content of the blended training offer and improving know-how in competence analysis, instructional design and development of digital training content and online courses

The DIDACTIVE is a two-year project (30.10-2024–29.10.2026) funded by the “ERASMUS Lump Sum Grant” program of the European Union (EU). It is coordinated by by En.A.I.P. Piemonte in Italy and the consortium includes six (6) partners in five (5) EU member-states (Austria, Croatia, France, Greece, and the Netherlands). The DAISSy Research Group of the HOU will be directly linked to the effective implementation of the project activities in Greece, embracing also several respective stakeholders aiming at the multiple exploitation of the project results and its impact.

Stay tuned and find out more about the DIDACTIVE project and other activities of the DAISSy-HOU:

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DAISSy-HOU at the forefront of Sustainable Innovation by completing the IPR4SC successfully

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IPR4SC-logoThe DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) has been implementing with great success, the “Developing Skills in Intellectual Property Rights Open Data for Sustainability and Circularity – (IPR4SC)” European project, as the Greek partner. The project aims to bridge the skills gap in Intellectual Property (IP) management, a critical component for the green and digital transformation shaping Europe’s economic future. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing “IP for Business” skills, enriched with knowledge about sustainability, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship, empowering a new generation of inventors and entrepreneurs to thrive within a circular economy.

As a member of the IPR4SC consortium, i.e. a multidimensional European partnership of Universities, Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, and technology organizations, the DAISSy-HOU made a pivotal contribution to all project deliverables. Particularly, the Research Group played a vital  role in the design and implementation of the project’s innovative educational program, which consists of three groundbreaking learning course, as follows:

  • IPR4Data, a course integrating intellectual property and open data usage in the context of green business.
  • I2P4Green, which helps learners transform innovation into sustainable economic value by securing intellectual property rights.
  • Co-Design Jam, an innovative, collaborative educational process based on real-world business model challenges.

These courses were open to access and free of charge and targeted both higher education and VET audiences.

Additionally, and as part of the IPR4SC project implementation, DAISSy-HOU contributed to the development of the IP Monitor, an innovative tool aggregating over 500 databases, manuals, and platforms related to intellectual property, focusing on sustainability-related inventions. The tool provides decision-making support, practical examples, and access to national IP attorney registries, thereby enhancing the accessibility and application of relevant knowledge.

Undoubtedly, the project’s final conference entitled “IP in Motion” marked the successful completion conclusion of IPR4SC. The event took place on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, attracting the interest of more than 100 experts and professionals from across Europe. The conference featured an in-depth presentation of the project’s content and valuable outputs, and in parallel it highlighted the power of education as a catalyst for achieving Europe’s green and digital transition.

The DAISSy Research Group of the HOU was represented at the conference by Professor Christos Pierrakeas, Director of Administration and Human Resources at DAISSy-HOU, and Dr. Dimitrios Dimopoulos, Researcher at the University of Ioannina and DAISSy-HOU. Both representatives participated actively in the sessions, by sharing insights and contributing to discussions on the project’s overall impact and the capitalization of its results.

It is a fact that DAISSy-HOU is proud to have been part of the IPR4SC initiative, contributing its expertise to support Europe’s transition toward a smarter and more circular innovation-driven economy.

The IPR4SC is a three-year project, co-funded by the ERASMUS+ program of the European Union. It is implemented by a consortium of ten (10) partners from six (6) European countries (Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Slovenia) and brings together Universities and organizations from across Europe. DAISSY-HOU, the Greek partner, aimed primarely and achieved to developing educational programs, so as to bridge intellectual property rights management with sustainable entrepreneurship practices.

For more information on the IPR4SC project, and other activities of DAISSy-HOU:

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Successful training session on digital competencies in education, by DAISSy-HOU

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ADWeeks2025A valuable training session on “Digital competencies in education” was implemented with success by the DAISSy Research Group of Hellenic Open University (HOU). It was organised on a hybrid mode on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 13:00’ to 16:00’ (CET), at the HOU premises in Athens (Address: 4-6 Gravias str., GR-10678), and was streamed online, through the zoom electronic platform.

More precisely, the training session was delivered in English as the main target group have been visiting from abroad educators and students. It included a number of onsite and online presentations on various topics relevant to the enhancement of digital competencies related to the educational sector. Specifically, it addressed issues related to digital skills certifications, methodologies and tools for identifying media disinformation. Additionally, it showcased practices and outcomes supporting the development of digital competencies needed across diverse topics that favor inclusion and also emphasized on the vital role of building a resilient community of practice. Furthermore, it presented the STEAM methodology and the key-ways of its application at the educational sector, benefiting critical thinking and team building-working.

It is noteworthy, that the training event was linked to the ALL DIGITAL Weeks 2025 campaign, which aimed to the effective management of digital transformation, emphasizing that all Europeans are well equipped to participate in connected, responsible, and informed ways.

Specifically, the campaign was run from 17th March to 4th April 2025, was organized by the ALL DIGITAL network (AD), a leading pan-European association based in Brussels, and the DAISSy-HOU, an active member of AD, has been selected as the National Coordinator of the ALL DIGITAL Weeks 2025 campaign, supporting this initiative, encouraging the participation of other stakeholders and enhancing the promotion and dissemination of relevant good practices in Greece.

For more information about the training session, as well as other activities of DAISSy-HOU:

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DAISSy-HOU participated at the 1st European Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Congress

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The DAISSy Research Group of Hellenic Open University (HOU) participated at the 1st European STEAM Congress, held from February 3rd to 5th, 2025, in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Congress was a major event dedicated to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) education through collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Organized by the STEAMbrace project, the Congress brought together more than 150 educators, researchers, students, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Europe to explore cutting-edge methodologies, hands-on workshops, and discussions on gender equality, diversity and inclusion in STEAM education and careers.

The Congress emphasized the promotion of diversity and inclusion in STEAM fields, with a special focus on enhancing female participation and supporting underrepresented groups. Attendees contributed to significant discussions and initiatives aimed at transforming STEAM education into a more inclusive and impactful discipline.

The DAISSy Research Group presented two posters, about project SpicE and project The SEER. HOU Professor Achilles Kameas, Director of DAISSy Research Group, was invited to present a comprehensive approach to STEAM educators’ competence development, and to participate in a panel discussion on the topic of gender equality in STEAM education and careers. Prof. Kameas presented the activities of DAISSy research group in projects SpicE and The SEER, including the STEAM educators/ competence frameworks, the MOOCs and training courses and the draft roadmap towards a European STEAM education policy.

Achilles emphasized the importance of increasing the participation of women in STEAM education, by raising awareness, changing mindsets, offering incentives and taking all appropriate measures. Moreover, he argued that achieving the highest possible degree of inclusion in STEAM education and careers is crucial for the future and all necessary resources must be allocated for achieving it the soonest possible.

In addition to several very interesting presentations and panels on topics related to gender equality and STEAM education, the Congress included a number of workshops, in which the participants had the opportunity to use technology and carry out STEAM education activities. Achilles, together with colleagues, had a lot of fun creating flashing bookmarks and sparkling-water-based rockets!

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For more information regarding the projects and activities of DAISSy-HOU:

  • Website : http://daissy.eap.gr/en
  • Facebook : @DAISSyResearchGroup
  • Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/daissyresearchgroup/
  • Instagram : @daissy_researchgroup
  • Email : info@daissy.eap.gr
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DAISSy-HOU participated at the 19th International Technology, Education and Development Conference

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The 19th annual International Technology, Education and Development (INTED) Conference was held from 03 to 05 March 2025 in Valencia (Spain). The Conference provided a unique opportunity for scientific exchanges with a wide range of global experts and for presenting a number of papers showcasing research results of european co-funded projects in which the DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) has participated.

The International Academy of Technology, Education and Development (IATED) has been organizing INTED on an annual basis for nineteen years in a row. INTED is now recognized as an important forum that brings together educators, policy makers and other stakeholders who use or are interested in using technology in educational practice, with an emphasis on digital technologies. Over 550 educators attended this year to share their knowledge and learn from others in their field. Hence the presence of DAISSy researchers in the Conference significantly increased the impact of research conducted by the DAISSy team. 

DAISSy-HOU was actively involved in the INTED2025 Conference by contributing four (4) scientific papers and posters, which showcased high-quality results regarding the use of innovative methodologies and tools in education that have been achieved by the members of DAISSy in the context of the international projects and collaborations of the Group.

The list of the papers that were presented includes:

  • Towards an Inclusive Society via a Suite of Educational Instruments, authored by Achilles Kameas and Eleni Georgakakou, showcasing methodologies, MOOCs, games, campaigns, hackathons and other results of different European projects on the theme of inclusion
  • Workplace Learning needs of Greek Postal Sector Employees regarding Digital and Green Competencies, authored by, Ioannis Paliokas, Markos G. Tsipouras, Christos Bellos, Eleni Varvarousi, Eirini Gavala, Aris Maragkakis, Achilles Kameas, which presented the preliminary results of European project DigiGreen Post.
  • AI and the Future of Teaching In STEAM: Competences, Challenges and Opportunities, a position paper authored by Natalia Spyropoulou and Achilles Kameas, which examines the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on teaching practices, with a particular emphasis on STEAM education, where educators already function as facilitators of creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Educating Educators Through MOOCs: Competence-Based Approaches for Teacher Professional Development in the Digital Era, authored by Natalia Spyropoulou and Achilles Kameas, which discusses how MOOCs, designed using competence frameworks, support teacher professional development in the digital age and presents three exemplary MOOCs which address digital competences, interdisciplinary teaching, and inclusivity, respectively

The DAISSy-HOU was represented at the INTED25 Conference by Prof. Achilles Kameas, Director of DAISSy and Dr. Natalia Spyropoulou, Senior Researcher and Project Manager, who attended a number of sessions and elaborated on peer learning and networking activities.

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For more information on the projects and other activities of DAISSy-HOU:

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DAISSy-HOU encourages Collaborative Innovation through the Co-Design Jam course series

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logo-codesignjamAn exciting and highly interactive learning experience was offered by the DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU), within the framework of the “Developing Skills in Intellectual Property Rights Open Data for Sustainability and Circularity – (IPR4SC)” European project, which is implemented by the Research Group as the Greek partner.

This refers to the Co-Design Jam course series, an intensive innovation “sprint”-type workshop that enabled learners to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, design business ideas with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy, and at the same time become familiar with the way to integrate Intellectual Property (IP) tools into all stages of the creative process.

It is a fact that the Co-Design Jam was not a typical educational activity, as participants had the opportunity to:

  • Apply design thinking methodologies to issues of sustainability and circularity.
  • Co-develop, present, and optimize green business ideas.
  • Understand how to strategically leverage IP tools (such as trademarks, patents, and design rights) to protect and scale their innovations.
  • Use the IP Monitor, a digital tool developed by the IPR4SC project, to identify IP-related issues and opportunities already at the design stage.

It is noteworthy that the Co-Design Jam brought together learners from diverse educational and knowledge backgrounds—from entrepreneurship and engineering to the arts and environmental studies. Its interactive nature enhanced collaborative learning, critical thinking, and rapid idea generation.

Under the guidance of distinguished facilitators from the transnational partners of the IPR4SC project, including DAISSy-HOU, the teams developed and presented their proposals to address real-world problems of modern economic activity. As a result, participants gained valuable technical knowledge, while also cultivating key soft skills such as teamwork, creativity, and communication, in a setting that bridged sustainable entrepreneurship and intellectual property.

Moreover, as the pilot cycle of the Co-Design Jam has been concluded, the course emerged as a model of active and experiential learning, with the potential to transform the way intellectual property and sustainability are taught in higher and professional education across Europe.

It is noteworthy, that the implementation of the IPR4SC European project, included a comprehensive educational program, consisting of Co-Design Jam, I2P4Green and IPR4Data courses, aiming at cultivating IP skills for businesses, enriched with green, digital, and entrepreneurial competencies.

This innovative educational experience was fully aligned with the fundamental goal of the IPR4SC project: to equip the new generation of entrepreneurs and inventors in Europe with the necessary tools to thrive in a digital, circular, and sustainable economy.

The IPR4SC is a three-year project, co-funded by the ERASMUS+ program of the European Union. It is implemented by a consortium of ten (10) partners from six (6) European countries (Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Slovenia) and brings together Universities and organizations from across Europe. DAISSY-HOU,  the Greek partner, aimed primarely and achieved to develop educational programs so as to bridge intellectual property rights management with sustainable entrepreneurship practices.

For more information on the IPR4SC project, and other activities of DAISSy-HOU: