EVOLVE

In response to the fast-changing labour market, digital transformation, and green transition, this 36-month MSCA Staff Exchange project brings together academic institutions, public authorities, enterprises, and a civil society organisation to address critical skills shortages in Europe's manufacturing sector. Through secondments and cross-sectoral cooperation, the project aims to develop an AI-powered skills forecasting tool, support the creation of modular micro-credentials, and advance Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning (VNFIL) systems. Data from partner countries will be harmonised into GDPR-compliant datasets and used to train a predictive engine that informs curriculum development, workforce planning, and policy decisions. A key innovation is the integration of VNFIL and RPL logic into the AI platform to ensure inclusivity of diverse learning pathways. The project will also pilot micro-credentials in the textile industry, co-designed with SMEs and education providers, and mapped to national qualifications frameworks. These pilots will test real-world implementation of AI-informed learning offers and RPL/VNFIL validation practices. The results will feed into EU-level polcy briefs and sustainability models to support long-term adoption of the developed tools and frameworks. A multi-channel communication and dissemination strategy will ensure outreach to key stakeholders, culminating in a final conference to present outcomes to EU institutions and the public. This project aligns with EU priorities for skills intelligence, digitilisation, and lifelong learning, offering a scalable model for improving education-labour market alignment across Member States.