Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) - Digital Transition, Law, and International Markets: a case study

The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), hosted by the Polytechnic of Porto in collaboration with European partner institutions, exemplifies an innovative approach to interdisciplinary education in the context of European higher education transformation. This article examines the programme's design and implementation, combining virtual and onsite methods to address global challenges related to digital transformation, legal frameworks, and international trade. Through a qualitative methodology, incorporating document analysis and participant observation, the study explores how the BIP model successfully integrates diverse pedagogical approaches while fostering cross-cultural collaboration among participants from six European countries. Key outcomes are presented, emphasizing participants' development of intercultural and digital skills, as well as challenges encountered during the programme's implementation, including technical difficulties and time constraints. The findings underscore the significance of the BIP model in promoting internationalization and interdisciplinarity in European higher education, while also suggesting improvements for future iterations such as expanded thematic scope and enhanced IT infrastructure. This case study contributes to ongoing discussions about innovative educational practices in the Erasmus+ framework and offers insights for institutions seeking to implement similar blended learning initiatives.