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Project: Bridging Gaps. Second-Hand Ventures
for Sustainable Development and Digitalization
Our Story:
We aim to close skills gaps, explore opportunities to embrace digital technologies such as AI-driven vocational education and training (VET), foster collaboration among organizations, and support sustainable business practices.
By helping European SMEs with their green and digital transitions, we enhance the employability and adaptability of their workforces.
We promote the twin transition by advocating for green skills, including second-hand consumption and the principles of a circular economy, within the digital society.
Which gaps does the project bridge?
Competence Gaps
in Sustainability
& Digitalization
There is a noted lack of sustainability and digital skills, particularly in the adoption of technologies among SME employees, sales professionals, and vocational learners. The project aims to bridge this skills gap by developing AI-driven training, self-assessment tools, and interactive learning scenarios that enhance both digital and sustainability competences.
Gap Between VET Systems and Labor Market Needs
The project identifies a disconnect between the current VET systems and the rapidly evolving demands of the labor market, especially regarding circular economy practices and digital transformation. By aligning training content with actual SME needs and market trends, the project helps bridge this gap.
Gap in Adoption of Circular Economy Practices
SMEs, especially in the second-hand sector, often lack the tools, knowledge, and support to adopt circular economy business models. The project provides targeted support to facilitate this transition, thus bridging the gap between traditional business practices and sustainable, circular approaches.
Gap in Collaboration Among Key Stakeholders
There is often insufficient collaboration between VET providers, universities, and businesses. The project promotes cross-sector cooperation, fostering networks that bridge institutional and sectoral divides to deliver more relevant and future-oriented training.
Gap in Access to Innovative,
Gen AI-Enhanced Learning Tools
Many SMEs and vocational learners lack access to modern, AI-supported training resources that can personalize and optimize learning. By developing such tools and making them widely available, the project bridges the technological and methodological gap in vocational training.
Project Co-financing & Duration
The Bridging Gaps project is co-financed by the Erasmus+ Programme
of the European Union, under Key Action 2 (KA220-VET), which funds cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training.
€250K
Total Budget
€250,000
24Mo.
Project Duration
September 2025 - August 2027
Project Consortium
The project is a collaborative initiative involving eight organizations from across Europe, representing higher education, business associations, research institutes, and private sector expertise.
Coordinator
Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa (JDU), Poland
A multidisciplinary university recognized for its commitment
to innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.
Partners (alphabetical order)
  • Centrum Badań nad Globalną Gospodarką, Poland: A research institution specializing in economic analysis, global trade,
    SME support, and business simulations.
  • CONFORM. Consulenza Formazione e Management Società Consortile a R.L., Italy: A consultancy with strong experience
    in training, management, and EU projects.
  • Gospodarska Zbornica Slovenije Center za Poslovno Usposabljanje (CPU), Slovenia: A leading adult education
    and training institute linked to the Slovenian Chamber
    of Commerce and Industry.
  • PIMEC Petita i Mitjana Empresa de Catalunya, Spain: The largest association of SMEs in Spain, highly experienced in supporting digital and sustainable transformation.
  • TREBAG Intellectual Property and Project Management Ltd., Hungary: A private innovation company and certified Living Lab, with experience in R&D, adult education, and digital skills.
  • Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy: Renowned for its expertise in digitalization, international business, and sustainability in education.
  • Univerza na Primorskem Universita del Litorale, Slovenia:
    A university with a strong record in entrepreneurship,
    SME development, and sustainable business.
Project Objectives
The project aims to:
  • Provide digital and sustainability skills to employees of SMEs, sales professionals, and vocational learners, using advanced, AI-driven, and interactive training methods.
  • Support SMEs, especially those engaged in second-hand ventures, to adopt and scale circular economy practices, such as re-use, recycling, and sustainable business models.
  • Enhance employability and professional mobility by equipping vocational learners with future-ready competences.
  • Foster strong cooperation and knowledge exchange between VET providers, universities, businesses,
    and policy makers.
  • Disseminate best practices and training tools widely across Europe to support long-term skills development and innovation.
Target Groups
  • Employees and managers in SMEs, especially in sectors related to second-hand goods, re-use, and recycling.
  • Sales professionals looking to update their skills for the digital and circular economy.
  • Vocational education and training (VET) learners, educators, and institutions seeking to align with emerging business trends.
  • Policymakers and business support organizations interested in scalable solutions for green and digital skills development.
Project Activities and Work Packages
The project is organized into five main Work Packages (WP), each covering a core area of activity.
WP1: Project Management
Ensures efficient coordination, communication, quality control, and financial management across all partners and activities.
WP2: Bridging Gaps Model Design
Focuses on identifying and defining the core elemets required for the competences model for sustainable and digital skills.
WP3: Bridging Gaps Training Development
Regards creating innovative and interactive Gen AI-enhanced training content.
WP4: Bridging Gaps Validation
Involves piloting and validating the training in real-world conditions in the partner countries.
WP5: Dissemination and Community Engagement
Aims to maximise visibility, engage stakeholders, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.
Basic Timeline & Order of Activities
The project unfolds in the following order:
1
1. Project Launch and Management Setup
Formal agreements, communication structures, and quality assurance are put in place.
2
2. Needs Assessment and Model Design
Analysis of current practices, consultation with stakeholders, and design of the training model.
3
3. Development of Training Tools
Creation of learning resources, AI tools, and interactive modules.
4
4. Pilot Testing and Validation
Practical implementation with SMEs and learners, collecting feedback and making improvements.
5
5. Refinement and Finalization
Updating resources and tools based on pilot results.
6
6. Dissemination and Policy Engagement
Sharing project outcomes widely, producing recommendations, and promoting adoption beyond the partnership.
In-Person Meetings
Kick-off Partners Workshop
Location: Poland – Częstochowa
Host: JDU
This is a face-to-face partners workshop that marks the official launch of the project, brings together representatives
of all project partners, and serves to align the consortium on goals, management, and quality standards.
Staff Training and Collaborative Workshop (Bridging Gaps Mobility)
Location: Italy – Avellino
Host: CONFORM
This five-day in-person event brings together two staff members from each partner organization. The focus is on collaborative development of educational materials, practical workshops, and scenario design for the training programme. This activity fosters shared expertise and innovation across the consortium.
Working Seminar (Piloting Planning and Validation)
Location: Hungary – Budapest
Host: TREBAG
Piloting and validation of the educational materials and tools are conducted in each partner country, coordinated by the respective local partners.
Project Results
At completion, the project will deliver:
  • A comprehensive competence framework and best-practice model for integrating green & digital skills into VET curricula.
  • A validated AI-driven training program and digital toolkit for SMEs, sales professionals, and vocational learners focused on sustainability and digitalization in the second-hand economy.
  • Policy recommendations and guidelines for VET systems and businesses to support broader uptake.
  • Broad dissemination of outputs, ensuring that the project's legacy continues beyond its formal end, influencing policy and practice at both national and EU levels.

The results are designed to be scalable and transferable, providing a model for future projects and contributing to the digital and green transition of European SMEs.

For more information contact us at [email protected]