The “Entrepreneurial and Innovation proficiency: A way to digital agenda (EPIDA)” European project is well underway, featuring the active participation of the DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU), as the Greek partner. The project implementation has been launched, involving the active development of innovative digital and social entrepreneurial skills in higher education across five (5) European countries.

More precisely, EPIDA is coordinated by Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" (Bulgaria) and includes a consortium of universities from France (Universite de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines), Greece (Hellenic Open University), Romania (Universitatea Lucian Blaga Din Sibiu) and Albania (Universitet Aleksander Xhuvani Elbasan).

The EPIDA project aims at fostering sustainable business models within the social economy using digital tools while supporting the development of students’ innovation and entrepreneurial skills. In parallel, it strengthens digital readiness and resilience, and promotes common values, civic engagement, and active participation among higher education teachers, researchers, and students.

Currently, the project activities include the following:

• Skill Gap Analysis: A European digital survey capturing existing skill gaps.
• Innovative Model: A digital-social start-up model to support social innovators.
• Practical Handbook: A hands-on guide for establishing and accelerating social start-ups.
• Open Access Forum: A dedicated digital milieu and a network of student clubs to facilitate dialogue.

EPIDA is a 30-month project (01/09/2025 - 29/02/2028), budgeting up tο €250,000.00 and co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. DAISSy-HOU is actively involved across all EPIDA work packages, having the responsibility for coordinating the Circular Learning Mobility of students and trainers (Task 3.1), and for building the Stakeholders Network, so as to boost civil and social engagement.