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RCC Evaluation of Quality Assurance Systems

External Evaluation of Quality Assurance Systems against European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) in the Western Balkans & Developing Regional (Western Balkans) Quality Assurance Action Plans

Project description

The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is an all-inclusive, regionally owned and led cooperation framework. It promotes and advances the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the South East Europe.

The project included an external evaluation of Quality Assurance Systems against European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) in the Western Balkans & Developing Regional (Western Balkans) Quality Assurance Action Plans.

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KIC role

We supported the RCC with

a full mock review of internal procedures, processes and structures of the QA systems in 6 Western Balkan economies
an ‘ENQA style’ review report of the QA agencies in each economy that outlines the main weaknesses in relation to the different ESG standards with concrete recommendations for improvement that are needed to be in compliance with the ESG
a report for the Western Balkans outlining general trends, strengths and weaknesses based on the 6 individual QA system reviews. The report includes recommendations that are relevant for all the different QA systems as well as suggestions for regional wide cooperation and joint strengthening of the QA systems in the Western Balkans in accordance with the ESG

We also developed

an overarching Western Balkans Regional Action Plan
individual-specific Action Plans for each of the six Western Balkan Economies (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia)

These plans were based on previous mock external reviews of Quality Assurance agencies against European Standards and Guidelines (ESG). Their aim was to operationalise recommendations into concrete actions, timelines, milestones, indicators of success, and potential challenges.

Services

Consultancy and research in education, Quality assurance

Expertise

Quality assurance in education

Partners

Collaborating with other organisations is an important part of our work. We are proud to work with a number of reputable partners.

A European Maturity Model for Micro-credentials in Higher Education

The European Maturity Model for Micro-credentials guides higher education institutions in implementing the EU Council Recommendation on micro-credentials. This comprehensive framework covers business models, technology infrastructure and quality assurance, helping institutions develop strategies that align with EU standards whilst meeting learner and employer needs for flexible education. … Read more

Digital skills playbook for educators

The Digital Skills Playbook supports educators across Europe in improving students’ digital competencies at all educational levels. This playbook provides teaching strategies, assessment frameworks and real-world examples aligned with the European DigComp Framework, supporting Europe’s goal of 80% digital literacy by 2030. … Read more

European Higher Education Interoperability Framework: Implementation Resources

The European Higher Education Interoperability Framework supports European universities in building connected digital systems through the Higher Education Interoperability Framework. These implementation resources provide practical guidance for secure data exchange, credential recognition and student mobility across institutions, advancing the European Digital Education Hub’s mission to modernise education. … Read more

An analysis of the state of interoperability across Higher Education systems in Europe (Synthesis report)

European University alliances face significant interoperability challenges in creating virtual campuses. This report analyzes strategies from 40+ alliances, identifying priorities like course discovery and identity management. While 75% show emerging interoperability focus, challenges span technical systems, legal frameworks, and organisational processes, requiring coordinated solutions for seamless cross-border education. … Read more

Glossary – Exploring a new topical area: Higher Education Interoperability

A comprehensive glossary defining essential terms for European higher education interoperability. From digital identity and authentication to learning management systems and micro-credentials, this reference document provides standardised definitions supporting seamless data exchange across universities. Essential for stakeholders implementing the Higher Education Interoperability Framework across Europe’s educational institutions. … Read more

Proposal for a Multi-Stakeholder Coordination Group on European Higher Education Interoperability

The proposed coordination group aims to create a harmonised and interoperable European higher education ecosystem, advancing mobility, collaboration, and innovation. It would coordinate technology organisations, education stakeholders, and the European Commission to implement common standards, reduce digital fragmentation, and ensure sustainable cross-border data exchange between institutions. … Read more

MicroCredX implementation framework

This framework helps universities create joint micro-credential exchange networks. Micro-credentials are short learning units worth 2-5 ECTS credits. The guide covers policy, design principles, teaching methods, technology platforms, industry needs, quality assurance, and recognition procedures. It enables European institutions to collaborate and offer flexible learning pathways for students and … Read more

The Micro-Credential Users’ Guide

This guide equips Higher Education Institutions to implement micro-credentials – certifications for short learning experiences addressing specific skills gaps. It covers three types: skill-credentials (4-12 hours), micro-credential modules (1-5 ECTS), and Short Learning Programmes (up to 1500 hours). The guide recommends digital awarding via Europass, stackable recognition models, and … Read more

Future Impacts of Modularisation and Micro Credentials on European Higher Education and list of validated scenarios

The MicroHE Delphi study engaged European experts to forecast micro-credentials’ impact on Higher Education Institutions. Three scenarios emerged: wide-scale, partial, or minimal adoption by HEIs. Success depends on overcoming barriers like institutional mistrust, establishing common standards, ensuring technological portability, and fostering collaboration between universities, employers, and policymakers. Key drivers … Read more

Digital Credential Recognition Mapping and Identification of Digital Credit Transfer System Needs in ASEAN

Digital credentials are defined as digital documents making claims about persons, containing machine-processable data. Recognition requires documents to be received via networks, verified for authenticity, processed according to defined formats, and educationally recognized. This comprehensive approach encompasses receiving, verifying, processing content according to data standards, and conferring educational recognition … Read more

Common framework for micro-credentials in the EHEA

A micro-credential is a certified small volume of learning designed to provide learners with specific knowledge, skills, and competences that respond to societal, personal, cultural or labour market needs. They increase and diversify lifelong learning provision to support individual learning pathways and widen access to higher education through flexible, … Read more

Identification of technologies used for recognising and verifying open credentials – OEPass report

An open credential is defined as fully transparent and usable for multiple purposes including qualification accumulation, employment evidence, and international expertise transfer. Such credentials would integrate seamlessly into European recognition frameworks, offer instant verification, and include comprehensive learning information. They would enable software systems to create online CVs and … Read more

Recommendations forHigher-Ed leaders to introduce European Digital Credentials, MicroCredX

A European Digital Credential for Learning is a multilingual format for electronically sealed digital presentations of learning credentials. They can be awarded in formal education, training, online courses, volunteering experiences, and non-formal learning contexts, taking forms of degrees, micro-credentials, certificates of participation, or any other learning records, issued through … Read more

Recognition and verification of credentials in open education, Report of Intellectual Output 3 (OEPass)

The OEPass Learning Passport proposes a standardized European system for recognizing open education credentials through blockchain-secured digital certificates. By aligning micro-credentials with ECTS and EQF frameworks, the system enables learners to accumulate, store, and share verified learning achievements from various providers, bridging formal and non-formal education while enhancing student … Read more

Mapping Report – inventory of standards, processes, and ICT systems across Higher Education, European Higher Education Interoperability Framework, 2025

This comprehensive inventory reveals what tools European universities actually use for data sharing. Based on research with 41 university alliances, it catalogues over 100 systems and standards currently in use. The findings expose significant gaps: most institutions build their own solutions because existing tools don’t meet interoperability needs. … Read more

Blueprint reference architecture – European Higher Education Interoperability Framework

European universities need better ways to share student data and academic resources. This new interoperability framework tackles eight common challenges, from course discovery to credential recognition. Built from real university alliance experiences, it provides practical blueprints for institutions to improve collaboration. The goal is simple: help students move between … Read more

European Higher Education Interoperability Framework (HEIF)

This comprehensive framework helps European universities share data and collaborate better. Built from real experiences of 40+ university alliances, it provides practical guidance for eight key scenarios in student mobility. From course discovery to credential recognition, the framework offers technical blueprints and recommendations to make higher education truly interoperable … Read more

The EDEH AI Report offers crucial insights into artificial intelligence’s role in European education. Covering teacher competencies, implementation strategies, ethical considerations, and practical use cases, it provides actionable recommendations for all education stakeholders. This comprehensive guide helps educators responsibly navigate AI’s potential for teaching, learning, and assessment while addressing … Read more

Explainable AI in education: Fostering human oversight and shared responsibility

Explainable AI in education is essential for maintaining human oversight as AI tools become more prevalent in teaching and learning. This report examines how transparency and explainability foster trust, ensure legal compliance, and preserve human agency. By understanding different stakeholder needs and developing specific competencies, educators can implement AI … Read more

Beyond blockchain – policy brief on next generation web technologies and their impact on OER

This brief examines how blockchain and AI can improve Open Educational Resources (OER). It explores cryptographic tools for copyright, credentials, and collaboration, while also addressing challenges in using distributed trust technologies. It highlights the potential for ledgers and AI to ensure inclusive, equitable access to knowledge and learning. … Read more

Blockchain in education

This report introduces the fundamental principles of the Blockchain focusing on its potential for the education sector. It explains how this technology may both disrupt institutional norms and empower learners. It proposes eight scenarios for the application of the Blockchain in an education context, based on the current state … Read more

Pathfinder: Intelligent career development with skill gap analysis and personalised upskilling pathways

PathFinder uses AI to bridge the gap between your current skills and career dreams. It analyses your CV, identifies what you’re missing, and suggests relevant courses to help you succeed. This smart tool transforms career guidance into a precise, personalised journey that works in today’s changing job market. … Read more

LCAMP – Advanced Manufacturing Excellence Discovery Platform

The LCAMP Advanced Manufacturing Excellence Discovery Platform brings together tools that support learning, innovation, and industry links. It includes six key areas: social networking, an observatory, learner-focused training, a collaborative learning factory, SME-VET connections, and the LCAMP Infopoint. Each part is being tested and refined with input from partners. … Read more

LCAMP Platform Roadmap

We drafted the LCAMP platform roadmap to guide what we build, when, and how. It outlines key features, technical needs, sprint planning, and bug tracking. We are also setting rules for content—what’s needed, who iss responsible, and how we check quality. Translation and localisation are included too. The roadmap … Read more

Industry 4.0 Technology Absorption Through The Collaborative Learning Factory

The LCAMP Collaborative Learning Factory (CLF) bridges the gap between classroom learning and real industrial practice. It connects VET centres across Europe, each contributing to a shared production process using Industry 4.0 technologies. Students gain hands-on experience with real tools while developing both technical and transversal skills. Built on … Read more

ADMA-LCAMP Frameworks Integration

This report explores how the ADMA model for SME digital transformation links with LCAMP’s Collaborative Learning Factory (CLF) model. By connecting ADMA’s business recommendations with CLF’s educational dimensions, we aim to align technical training more closely with real industry needs. The goal is to prepare learners for modern workplaces … Read more

Stakeholders Engagement Plan

The LCAMP Stakeholders Engagement Plan outlines how we’ll involve key players—locally, nationally, and across Europe—throughout the project. It maps who they are, what role they play, and how we’ll stay connected using local action plans, events, and clear communication tools. Our goal is to build long-term ties between VET … Read more

LCAMP Dissemination and Communication Strategy

The LCAMP Dissemination and Communication Strategy sets the direction for how we share the project with the world. It covers our goals, audiences, key activities, and who’s responsible for what. The document includes timelines, visual guidelines, and writing tips—making it easy for partners to stay aligned. Whether you’re planning … Read more

LCAMP Annual dissemination report

The LCAMP Annual Dissemination Report tracks how well we are sharing our work across Europe. It reviews the past year’s activities from all partners, using twice-yearly tracker updates and input from local engagement plans. Based on the targets we set, we are on track. The report helps shape what … Read more

Network of national qualifications databases: Open architecture and guidelines for establishing national qualifications databases

Qualifications databases help people compare and trust qualifications. This guide helps countries build strong databases using the European Interoperability Framework. Done right, it builds trust and helps countries recognise each other’s qualifications more easily, boosting mobility and collaboration. … Read more

QualityLink – Quality data exchange architecture

QualityLink proposes a flexible data exchange/transport layer for ELM-based and other data, as well as a scalable discovery mechanism that allows higher education institutions to expose their data easily. The QualityLink architecture further includes a proposal for a unique course identifier that could be used across different systems and … Read more

QualityLink – Mock-up: dashboard and indicators

QualityLink aggregates quality indicators for learning opportunities leading to micro-credentials, aligning with the EU Council Recommendation. Micro-credentials certify learning outcomes assessed against transparent criteria, equipping learners with skills and knowledge tailored to societal, cultural, and labour market needs. The document provides mock-ups for an online dashboard. … Read more

QualityLink – Quality domains and indicators

QualityLink aggregates quality indicators for learning opportunities leading to micro-credentials, aligning with the EU Council Recommendation. Micro-credentials certify learning outcomes assessed against transparent criteria, equipping learners with skills and knowledge tailored to societal, cultural, and labour market needs. To ensure credibility, only courses with reliable metadata—meeting minimum standards outlined … Read more

QA Lead Manual – condensed version

The purpose of the manual is to complement the various quality systems which apply to Professional Higher Education, by giving advice on how to implement a comprehensive quality management system within professional higher education institutions. … Read more

Guide to design, issue, and recognise micro-credentials

This guide supports the development, issuance, and recognition of micro-credentials, enhancing the flexibility of learning systems in European Training Foundation (ETF) partner countries. It provides tailored recommendations for policymakers, learning institutions, accreditation bodies, and employers across regions such as Türkiye, North Africa, the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership, and … Read more

Micro-Credentials Exchange Network Implementation Framework

Micro-credentials have quickly become a top priority for higher education. Institutions must therefore intentionally and strategically respond to a growing movement that is identified by the design of flexible and responsive learning pathways relevant for employability. The conversation on micro-credentials for lifelong learning has accelerated at all levels. Considerable … Read more

Model digital transformation strategies – A comparative analysis report

It is relevant to explore the concept of digital transformation, as an ongoing process of using digital technology and strategy to shift the user experience, business, operating processes, or culture. The implementation of digital transformation aims at boosting the value and coordination of the institution through innovation, and frameworks … Read more

Digital skills explored

Digital skills are increasingly essential for individual empowerment, economic growth, and societal progress.This article explores the concept of digital skills and highlights the gap between skill demand and availability in the global and European labour markets. It highlights how this deficiency hinders economic development, limits individual opportunities, and restricts … Read more

ITCILO training evaluation 2023 – final report

The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the design, implementation, and quality of training activities carried out by the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITC) during the year 2022. The evaluation focuses on the relevance, validity, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of its training … Read more

ACQF Qualifications and Credentials Platform Architecture Report

The ACQF Qualifications and Credentials Platform (ACQF QCP) is a pivotal initiative under the ACQF-II project designed to harmonise and streamline qualifications across Africa. This document details the architectural framework, user needs, data model, and implementation plan of the ACQF QCP, aiming to enhance transparency, comparability, and recognition of … Read more

23 October 2025

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Three years of building inclusive higher education: IDEA-NET delivers practical tools for change

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3 September 2025

The MOV-e project enters its final stage

23 October 2025

We’ve joined the Pact for Skills to shape Europe’s digital future

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3 September 2025

The MOV-e project enters its final stage

RCC Evaluation of Quality Assurance Systems

External Evaluation of Quality Assurance Systems against European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) in the Western Balkans & Developing Regional (Western Balkans) Quality Assurance Action Plans

Status

COMPLETED

Duration

2020

-

2022

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