Posted on March 13, 2025
The Digital4Business consortium recently concluded a highly productive plenary meeting hosted at the historic Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna. Over the course of two intensive days, partners from across Europe collaborated to advance our €20 million initiative aimed at delivering cutting-edge, industry-aligned digital business education.
Day 1: Fine-Tuning Our Educational Vision
The first day set a strong foundation with comprehensive discussions on project progress. A significant highlight was the in-depth review of all educational modules, where experts meticulously evaluated and refined content to ensure maximum relevance, impact, and real-world applicability.
“Our primary objective remains clear,” noted the project leadership team. “We are committed to equipping students with the precise digital business skills that companies require today and will demand in the future.”
The collaborative atmosphere fostered invaluable exchanges of expertise among our diverse consortium partners, reinforcing Digital4Business as a truly innovative and forward-thinking programme.
Day 2: Strategic Direction and Historical Inspiration
Day two featured the General Assembly, where consortium members discussed strategic initiatives and collaborative approaches to further enhance our industry-aligned curriculum. The day was enriched by a guided tour of the historic Palazzo Poggi, renowned for its pioneering educational methods and groundbreaking teaching techniques throughout history.
This immersion in Bologna’s rich academic heritage provided inspiration as we continue to develop our programme, connecting the innovative spirit of the past with the digital demands of the future.
Reflecting on Two Years of Progress
As we reach this significant milestone, the consortium took time to assess our achievements thus far. National College of Ireland and Schuman Associates presented comprehensive reviews of our accomplishments, financial milestones, and academic governance structures, ensuring that this ambitious project maintains its cutting-edge approach and industry relevance.
Curriculum Development at the Forefront
Educational content remains at the core of our mission. Representatives from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Linköping University, University of Bologna, and National College of Ireland engaged in detailed discussions covering recent developments in critical digital domains:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Computing
- Blockchain
- Internet of Things
- Quantum Technologies
All curriculum development maintains a sharp focus on practical, market-led modules that will prepare graduates for immediate impact in the digital business landscape.
Enhancing Platform and Process
With technical assistance from Full Fabric, the consortium refined our admissions and enrollment processes while strengthening the Learning Management System platform. Detailed strategies were developed around student mobility, employability, and industry engagement with valuable input from our industry partners, including The Adecco Group, Skillnet Ireland, LHH, and Digital Technology Skills.
Expanding Our Reach
Matrix Internet presented our comprehensive launch campaign designed to ensure that Digital4Business successfully reaches the next generation of digital leaders across Europe. This strategic communication plan will be crucial as we move toward the public launch phase of the programme.
Acknowledgments
The Digital4Business consortium extends sincere gratitude to our hosts, Dr. Chiara Panciroli and her research group at the University of Bologna, for their outstanding hospitality and organizational support. We also thank every consortium partner who contributed to this milestone event, including:
- National College of Ireland
- Schuman Associates
- Linköping University
- Digital Technology Skills
- Matrix Internet
- Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna
- NOVA IMS SU
- German UDS
- The Adecco Group
- Akkodis
- Terawe Corporation
- LHH
Finally, we acknowledge the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) for their continued funding and support as we work together to shape Europe’s digital future.
The Digital4Business consortium will continue building on the momentum generated during this meeting as we move closer to launching this transformative educational programme. Stay tuned for further updates on our progress.
For more information about the Digital4Business Master’s programme, please see our Master’s in Advanced Digital Technologies for Business page or register your interest.