INITIATION
- Business and Entrepreneurship, Capacity Building, Digital Transformation, Green Transition, Improving the Quality of Life of Vulnerable Groups, Innovation in Education, Upskilling & Re-skilling of Human Resources
INITIATION – INnovative and Inclusive Transdisciplinary Interventions for Accessible and Transformative Internships in Open Innovation
Funding Programme
ERASMUS-EDU-2025-CBHE
Project Number
101237566
Duration
36 months
Overall Budget
€793,390.68
Countries
North Macedonia, Cyprus, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Albania, Austria
INITIATION
The INITIATION project aims to transform how internships are conceptualized and delivered in higher education by introducing inclusive, transdisciplinary, and open innovation approaches. It addresses the gaps between education and employment by creating collaborative ecosystems that include universities, businesses, and civil society. The project enhances students’ employability and social inclusion by co-designing innovative internships, promoting accessibility, and integrating green and digital skills in the professionalization process.
Objectives of the project
- To design and pilot inclusive and accessible internship models based on open innovation principles.
- To foster transdisciplinary collaboration between HEIs, industry, and civic organizations.
- To enhance institutional capacity for managing inclusive and transformative internships.
- To build students’ digital, green, and entrepreneurial skills.
- To influence policy and embed inclusive internships in HE strategies.
Expected Results
- New models of inclusive and transdisciplinary internships co-designed and piloted.
- Institutional capacity building and updated policies at partner HEIs.
- Competency frameworks focused on digital, green, and transversal skills.
- Improved employability and engagement of disadvantaged students.
- Guidelines and policy recommendations disseminated across the region.
Project Activities
- Mapping best practices and analyzing national frameworks.
- Co-creation of innovative internship schemes with stakeholders.
- Training of academic and non-academic staff on inclusive internship design.
- Pilot implementation of new internship schemes with monitoring.
- Development of an online toolkit and policy papers.
- Regional and national dissemination and advocacy events.
Project Partners
- Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje – North Macedonia
- EDEX – Educational Excellence Corporation Ltd – Cyprus
- University of Mostar – Bosnia and Herzegovina
- European University of Tirana (UET) – Albania
- University of New York Tirana – Albania
- University of Sarajevo (Univerzitet u Sarajevu) – Bosnia and Herzegovina
- CARDET – Centre for the Advancement of Research & Development in Educational Technology – Cyprus
- FH JOANNEUM Gesellschaft mbH – Austria

