Reports, recommendations and position papers to the EU and the national governments concerning microcredentials based on evidence resulting from the MCE project and on continuous dialogues with policymakers and stakeholders and stakeholders

This deliverable aims to discuss and present reflections from the MCE project about the state of policy for Micro-credentials, based on existing published documentation and the initial deliverables of the project. Specifically, it is based on reports covering (i) a meta-research on the learner perspective on micro-credential formats and learning services for continuing education and professional development; (ii) learner preferences and expectations regarding micro-credentials; (iii) institutional approaches to micro-credentials; and (iv) existing microcredential pilots. This deliverable is guided by the outputs of the MCE project, and examines, particularly, the EU Council Recommendations for the European approach to microcredentials for lifelong learning and employability (Council Recommendation of 16 June 2022 on a European Approach to Micro-Credentials for Lifelong Learning and Employability, 2022), as well as the relevant actions outlined in the European Skills Agenda. This position paper will also reflect on the challenges that may arise in implementing the European principles for designing and issuing micro-credentials (which are part of the Council’s recommendation), both at a national and European level. In the report, we analyse each principle in detail and will provide a series of recommendations to inform leaders of Higher Education (HE) institutions and national and European policymakers on micro-credentials. Furthermore it dwells on the impact of micro-credentials within HE. It will not address challenges and recommendations for further education or the labour market as producers of micro-credentials, although some references will inevitably be relevant for policymakers in these sectors.