Policy methodology and stakeholder workshop to boost the development of micro-credentials

ACR+ has been actively contributing to the development of micro-credentials through its involvement in the Mastery Policy methodology, designed to support skills development in key sectors for the circular economy: agri-food, manufacturing, construction, wood furniture, and sustainable management. The Policy methodology focuses on: 

• Building stakeholders consensus around a common definition of micro-credentials and encouraging co-creation through social dialogue. 

• Outlining a governance model of applying, developing and delivering the micro-credentials in the selected MASTERY sector while strengthening the creation of networks and partnerships. 

• Improving monitoring and evaluation of related policies and measures to support micro-credentials and disseminating of good practices to foster scalability and impact. 

To test the methodology, ACR+ organised a workshop on 12 June 2025 in Leeuwarden (the Netherlands), bringing together diverse stakeholders from Friesland (the Netherlands), Navarra (Spain) and Malta. The event provided valuable insights into the practical implementation of the approach across varied regional contexts. 

Key take aways: 

The workshop underlined that Micro-credentials are deeply interconnected with "business models" and "public awareness." For the circular economy transition to succeed, it requires not just technical upskilling, but also a fundamental shift in how organizations interact with markets and the public. 

Moving forward, the focus should be on: 

• fostering dialogue platforms where companies, VET providers, and policymakers can collaboratively define skills needs and co-design relevant training. 

• developing tailored and flexible training directly linked to company needs and emerging circular business models. 

• investing in public engagement skills to support circular economy adoption through effective communication and behavioral change. 

• using context-specific recognition methods (like portfolios or industry validated schemes) to complement or even prioritize over formal micro-credentials where appropriate.