The DIGITAL-IN mid-term meeting was held on November 14, 2024, at the European Association of Vocational Training Institutes (EVBB) in Brussels. This event was organized by the E-learning NKUA, with support from EVBB, where the Coordinator is a member. The meeting coincided with the Expert Workshop on Digital Inclusion, which helped to enhance visibility for the project and encouraged networking with stakeholders across the EU.

During the meeting, each Work Package (WP) was presented, and all participants actively contributed to the discussions. This collaborative atmosphere led to a productive exchange of ideas among partners, allowing everyone to deepen their understanding of digital inclusion for disadvantaged groups (DVGs). This was particularly relevant following the completion of the Needs Analysis in WP2 and the development of the Manual with Guidelines for Trainers in WP3, both of which marked key milestones in the project.

The meeting also focused on planning the project’s activities for the next implementation phase and setting specific internal deadlines.

MiT Feltrinelli – ETS presented the first results of Digital-IN during an event organised by Auser Lombardia to present its activities to all members.

AUSER is one of the stakeholders interviewed in the analysis on the digital divide, which offered an important point of view on the needs of the elderly and the role of young people in supporting them in digital services.

T.O.R.O. introduced Digital-IN during two different workshops in Vilnius: the presentation of the project and its activities was held to Hungarian and Lithuanian participants. Moreover, the attendees were acquainted about the main key findings from all partner countries which came out as outcomes from the desk research and needs analyses phase. The group from Hungary participated in tailored training activities, Lithuania under the framework of another Erasmus+ KA122 project on the topic of Digital Entrepreneurship. They were very interested in activities and training possibilities on digital skills for DVGs (adults and small businesses) as also in Hungary they face with similar problems. A great interest in final outcomes, results of the project was shown, new insights.

Participants were representatives from the employment offices who support the educational and mentoring activities for small businesses as well as for senior learners.

WORKSHOP 1: it was organized in Vilnius Employment office (Uzimtumo taryba). Participants discussed about entrepreneurship possibilities for small businesses and how they are supported through different training activities, digital courses included. Shared experiences and best practices also on how elderly are supported in improving their digital skills. DIGITAL-IN project’s partners’ findings on their own realities regarding digital skills of DVGs were presented which stimulated deeper discussions. Vilnius Employment office provided concrete examples about their collaboration with local libraries (as preferred meeting points for Lithuanian seniors) in enhancing digital skills in seniors, es regular workshops in acquainting elderly how to identify frauds in internet world, pop-up seminars introducing DVGs into e-governmental services, definition of digital identity, etc.

WORKSHOP 2: the meeting was held in Innovation Agency (Inovaciju Agentura). It is a governmental institution which is responsible in boosting entrepreneurship, accelerating start ups in Lithuanian territory. Attendees actively were involved in discussions (also during networking activities) how small businesses were supported. With AI rapidly extending its power in businesses, training in boosting digital skills in small business is an absolute priority for every country.