Context
The Interoperable Europe (IOPEU) Academy is an initiative launched in 2019 by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for DIGIT (DG DIGIT). Recognising the growing importance of digital transformation within the public sector, the academy was created to address the need for advanced digital skills, particularly in the area of interoperability. This focus aligns with several European programmes, including the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and the European Digital Single Market. The academy’s vision is to contribute to Europe’s digital transformation by providing educational resources on interoperability.
Objectives
The IOPEU Academy’s central objective is to equip public servants, especially those involved in digital transformation efforts, with the necessary advanced digital skills. To achieve this, the academy conducted a gap analysis to identify the specific skills and competencies needed to implement interoperability policies across government levels. This analysis informed the development of a curriculum framework that serves as a blueprint for future course development. The framework is aligned with the upcoming Interoperable Europe Act, ensuring its continued relevance.
Implementation
The IOPEU Academy offers a range of learning resources, including online courses, seasonal schools, workshops, webinars and lectures. These resources are primarily targeted towards civil servants but are also open to young professionals, academia, businesses and citizens interested in interoperability.
The academy fosters a growing community of stakeholders, including public administrations at various levels, educational institutions, course developers and interested individuals. This community can access resources through two main channels: the academy’s page on Joinup, which offers downloadable course materials and guidance for course creation, and the dedicated Community Page on the EU Academy platform, which provides access to courses, forums and communication channels. A key aspect of the academy’s approach is co-creation. Experts from various backgrounds, including academia, public administrations and the European Commission, can propose and develop courses. The academy offers support to course owners, assisting with development or finalising existing courses to meet the academy’s standards. Stakeholder engagement is maintained through communication activities and participation in yearly events such as the SEMIC Conference and OSOR.
The initiative is overseen by two policy officers from DG DIGIT’s Unit B2, which focuses on interoperability and digital government. A team of consultants assists with project deliverables under a contract that began in October 2022 and is set to be renewed in April 2024. A steering committee, comprised of unit management, convenes quarterly to provide guidance. The project is funded through a €700 000 contract.