Summary - Webinar Creating Flexible Pathways for Innovation
The Community for Educational Innovation (CEI) hosted a webinar on 15 September 2026: “Creating Flexible Pathways for Innovation.” The webinar examined how education institutions can develop more flexible learning pathways that enable learners to access, combine and build on learning throughout their lives and careers. The discussion explored approaches to recognising prior learning, offering shorter and adaptable learning opportunities, and responding to changing learner and labour market needs.
The session featured three expert perspectives on the recognition of prior learning in Ireland, micro-credentials and micro-degree programmes at Leibniz University Hannover, and cross-institutional learning pathways developed by the INGENIUM European Universities Alliance.
To learn more about the session, you can access the following resources:
Three Expert Perspectives
Ciara Staunton, Director, National Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education Project, Ireland:
Ciara Staunton presented Ireland’s national approach to recognising prior learning, drawing on a five-year initiative involving all 14 publicly funded universities and technological universities. She explained how RPL enables learners to have knowledge and competences acquired through work, previous education, volunteering and other experiences formally recognised. This can support access to higher education, exemptions from modules and, in some cases, the achievement of qualifications. The presentation highlighted the importance of clear information for learners, shared institutional frameworks and staff capacity building. As the project approaches its conclusion, attention is shifting towards sustaining its results through institutional structures, professional development and a national community of practice. Staunton also emphasised the role of collaboration with employers, government bodies and quality assurance agencies in making RPL more accessible and responsive to workforce needs.
Elke Katharina Wittich, CEO, Central Institute for Lifelong Learning, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany:
Elke Katharina Wittich explored how micro-credentials and micro-degree programmes can provide flexible opportunities for lifelong learning. Drawing on examples from Leibniz University Hannover, she explained how shorter learning modules can address specific skills gaps, complement existing degrees and be combined into larger qualifications. The presentation illustrated different approaches, including interdisciplinary programmes in artificial intelligence, additional qualifications in AI and Law, and specialised training for professionals working with pupils on the autism spectrum. Wittich stressed that flexible learning formats should be designed around learners’ needs and supported by clearly defined learning outcomes, assessment and quality assurance. She also highlighted the potential of stacking micro-credentials over time and strengthening cooperation with industry to develop learning opportunities relevant to professional practice.
Eeva Kuoppala, Project Director, INGENIUM European Universities Alliance, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk), Finland:
Eeva Kuoppala presented how the INGENIUM European Universities Alliance is developing flexible and cross-institutional learning pathways across ten partner universities. She introduced three approaches to micro-credentials: jointly developed programmes, existing courses adapted for delivery across the alliance, and programmes combining learning opportunities from different institutions. These models allow learners to access international and interdisciplinary education and progressively build qualifications. Kuoppala explained that developing shared learning pathways requires common principles for learning outcomes, assessment and quality assurance, while accommodating differences in national legislation and institutional procedures. The presentation also emphasised collaboration with employers and other stakeholders to ensure that learning opportunities reflect evolving skills needs and connect education with practical workplace challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Recognising prior learning can improve access to higher education. Formal recognition of knowledge and competences acquired through work, education and life experiences can help learners enter programmes, avoid repeating previous learning and progress towards qualifications.
- Micro-credentials offer flexible opportunities for lifelong learning. Shorter learning formats can help learners develop specific competences, complement existing qualifications and combine learning experiences into larger programmes over time.
- Flexible learning requires institutional support. Clear procedures, staff training, quality assurance and sustainable funding are essential to move flexible learning initiatives beyond individual projects and embed them in regular institutional provision.
- Cross-institutional cooperation can expand learning opportunities. European universities alliances can develop shared programmes and learning pathways, although differences in national regulations, accreditation requirements and digital systems remain important challenges.
- Collaboration with employers helps connect learning with skills needs. Engaging industry and other stakeholders in programme development can support relevant learning opportunities for upskilling, reskilling and workforce transitions.
- Institutional capacity and programme structures remain significant barriers. In the webinar poll, participants identified limited funding, staff capacity and institutional readiness (25%) and rigid programme and qualification structures (22%) as the main obstacles to flexible learning provision. Accessibility and participation (41%) and targeted upskilling (30%) were identified as its most important contributions to innovation and competitiveness.
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