I.S.I.D.E. - Improving Social Impact for the Development of Entreprise

The primary objective of this project was to align vocational education and training with current labor market needs, focusing on two key priorities: addressing environmental challenges and climat...

The primary objective of this project was to align vocational education and training with current labor market needs, focusing on two key priorities: addressing environmental challenges and climate change, and facilitating digital transformation through enhanced digital readiness, resilience, and capacity. We aimed to achieve this by developing social impact skills among SME workers using innovative educational digital content. Our specific objectives were: - To enhance SME workers' skills in environmental sustainability and social responsibility, enabling them to effectively model strategies, business processes, ad measurement tools. - To tailor environmental and social impact strategies specifically for SMEs, recognizing their unique characteristics rather than applying approaches designed for large businesses. - To update and upskill teachers and consultants on the latest technical and educational methods and tools. By pursuing these objectives we aimed to create a more sustainable, responsible, and digitally adept SME sector, better equipped for future challenges and supported by relevant vocational education.

Our project implemented activities across five Work Packages: WP1. PROJECT MANAGEMENT: We conducted technical and financial management, held project meetings, and ensured continuous monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance. WP2. LEARNING PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT: We created the draft of a learning programme for sustainability and social innovation, validated by SMEs through focus groups, and released the final version. WP3. INTERACTIVE AND GAMIFIED RESOURCES PRODUCTION: This included developing an e-learning storyboard template, creating Open Educational Resources (OER) videos for SME workers on social sustainability, designing an assessment game, conducting a desk analysis and producing the ISIDE Guide on Impact Assessment in SMEs. WP4. PILOTING: We conducted piloting sessions with SMEs, fine-tuned materials, and arranged two international mobilities - a virtual one on instructional design and game-based learning, and a face-to-face one on impact management challenges. WP5. DISSEMINATION: Our activities included developing a dissemination plan, promoting the project through events, creating and updating a website, implementing a social media plan, and building a network for ongoing and final project dissemination.

The project produced several key tangible outputs all aimed at enhancing SMEs' capacity for social innovation and sustainability, while providing resources for VET trainers and business consultants.: - A validated Learning Programme for sustainability and social innovation, based on desk research and focus groups with SME staff - Interactive and Gamified Sources and Tools to measure and manage social impact in SMEs, enabling workers to conduct company check-ups and develop action plans - Video OERs on Social innovation, CSR; Doing business sustainably; and Measuring and communicating social impact - An Assessment Game in 2 episodes, allowing users to evaluate acquired skills - A Desk Analysis document providing templates and instructions for internal and external company assessments - The ISIDE Guide, a methodological guide for VET trainers/consultants on implementing social impact measurement systems in companies Additionally, the project organized: - A virtual international mobility event on instructional design and game-based learning; - A physical international mobility event in Rome focusing on impact management challenges; - Piloting sessions to test all developed products and learning materials with SMEs.