GENERAL INFORMATION
TAM title: Micro-credentials: a way to address modern challenges
Type of Event: Seminar
Modality: Online
Countries: Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Dates: 4 – 5 April 2024
Participants: The total number of participants was 243 (Kazakhstan: 156; Kyrgyzstan: 87).
The seminar brought together Vice-rectors, Deans, faculty members and administrative staff members. In addition to universities, the range of participants also included representatives of the Bologna Center, Independent Accreditation and Ranking Center of Kazakhstan and Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
THEMES COVERED
- Introduction to Micro-Credentials – Definitions, types, and their growing significance in global and European higher education systems.
- Recognition and Assessment – Exploration of methodologies and challenges related to the validation and recognition of micro-credentials.
- Policy and Regional Perspectives – Experiences from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on developing and implementing micro-credentials.
- Leveraging digital platforms and social media for promotion and recognition of micro-credentials by employers.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Discussions highlighted the importance of partnerships between educational providers, accreditation bodies, and employers.
KEY OUTCOMES
During the workshop participants:
- Gained a comprehensive overview of micro-credentials and their role in the evolving global education landscape, particularly within the European context.
- Developed skills in designing effective, industry-relevant micro-credential courses in collaboration with employers and accreditation bodies (through practical workshops).
- Explored challenges and methodologies related to the recognition and quality assurance of micro-credentials, including assessment strategies.
- Identified obstacles to the development and wider uptake of micro-credentials, and provided policy-level reflections relevant for national and institutional frameworks.
- Strengthened regional and international collaboration.
OVERVIEW
The regional seminar on micro-credentials brought together policymakers, university leaders, and experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Europe to explore how micro-credentials can contribute to modernising higher education and better aligning it with labour market needs. The event opened with speeches from key national and international representatives, including the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz State Technical University. Over two days, the programme featured expert presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, alongside case studies presented by local institutions highlighting their experience with micro-credentials.
Participants explored international practices and definitions of micro-credentials, analysed the benefits and challenges of their implementation, and discussed their potential role in supporting economic development in the region. Particular attention was given to the collaboration between education providers and employers, the design of industry-relevant courses, and mechanisms for the recognition and accreditation of micro-credentials. One of the seminar’s highlights was a practical session using the Micro-Evaluator tool to assess a real example, helping illustrate the importance of transparency and quality assurance in this emerging field.
The seminar created an engaging space for dialogue and exchange, combining theory with practical insights. Interactive methods such as online polls and hands-on workshops allowed participants to reflect on national contexts and formulate recommendations for integrating micro-credentials into education policy. The seminar successfully fostered a shared understanding of current trends and future opportunities, and helped lay the foundations for further regional cooperation on the topic.
THE FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY
Title of the activity: Online round table with participation of HEREs from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Dates: 5 April 2024
Audience: 100 participants from universities in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Description:
The follow-up activity involving HEREs from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan was held in the format of a round table where during which the recommendations and perspectives raised during the TAM were discussed. The session focused on strategies for enhancing higher education through micro-credential programs and industry collaboration. The event also aimed to establish a clear roadmap for the effective implementation of micro-credentials, identifying key challenges and opportunities. Participants included representatives from government ministries, accreditation agencies, higher education institutions, and industry stakeholders. A key methodological element was the comprehensive review of existing policies related to micro-credentials in both nations.
The workshop resulted in several important conclusions and expected outcomes. Universities in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan will begin developing or enhancing micro-credential programs tailored to the needs of learners and industry. These programs are expected to improve access to lifelong learning, helping individuals acquire specific, in-demand skills and credentials throughout their careers. The initiative also emphasizes close collaboration between higher education institutions and industry stakeholders, ensuring program relevance and alignment with labour market needs. This cooperation is anticipated to boost employability, promote continuous skill development, and strengthen ties between academia and the private sector.
ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS
- Further address the topic of national regulatory frameworks for micro-credentials, including legislation and quality assurance.
- Assess the clarity and adequacy of the current regulatory framework, including to what extent it supports the development and provision of micro-credentials.
- Identify necessary modifications to existing regulations to enable the effective uptake of micro-credentials.
- Disseminate awareness and information about national regulatory frameworks and their implications for micro-credential implementation.
RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL
European Commission (2017).
The European Pillar of Social Rights in 20 principles. Brussels: European Commission. Available at: https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/european-pillar-social-rights-20-principles_enEuropean Commission (2024).
A European approach to micro-credentials. Brussels: European Commission, 19 December 2024. Available at: https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/micro-credentialsLantero, L., Finocchietti, C. & Petrucci, E. (2021).
Micro-credentials and Bologna key commitments: State of play in the European Higher Education Area. Leuven: MICROBOL Project (Erasmus+ KA3), CIMEA. Available at: https://microcredentials.eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/02/Microbol_State-of-play-of-MCs-in-the-EHEA.pdfEuropean Commission (2020).
European Skills Agenda – Skills and qualifications. Brussels: European Commission. Available at: https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/skills-and-qualifications/european-skills-agenda_enEuropean Commission (2020).
Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027): Resetting education and training for the digital age. Brussels: European Commission, 30 September 2020. Available at: https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/digital-education/action-planEuropean Commission (n.d.).
Education – European Education Area. Brussels: European Commission. Available at: https://education.ec.europa.eu/European Commission (2022).
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – A European strategy for universities (COM(2022) 16 final), 18 January 2022. Brussels: European Commission. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32022DC0016Knowledge Innovation Centre & MICROBOL Project Team (2022).
Common framework for micro-credentials in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Leuven: MICROBOL Project (Erasmus+ KA3). Available at: https://microcredentials.eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2022/03/Micro-credentials_Framework_final-1.pdf
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