The DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU), the Greek partner  of the “DIDACTIVE – Develop Innovation in Digital and Agency Competences Training for Inclusive Vocational Education“ European project, contributes significantly to the development of the Agency Competence Framework (ACF). This is based on the conduction of the respective Desk Research Report, that puts emphasis on exploring the various translations, definitions, and cultural applications of the term “agency“ across different national and academic contexts in Greece and in every additional project partner-country of the DUDACTIVE (i.e. France, Austria, Italy, Croatia and the Netherlands).

It is a fact, that in today’s rapidly transforming educational and digital landscape, individuals must be equipped not only with traditional skills but also with the ability to shape their own learning and career paths. Rapid technological advances and changing work landscapes demand skills such as taking initiatives, informed decision-making, and adaptability to complex situations for success.

Furthermore, this need for skills is especially critical in adult Vocational Education and Training (VET), where many learners with limited formal education should acquire job-relevant skills alongside the confidence to engage actively in the society and the labor market. Beyond technical knowledge, these learners require support to develop a mindset and competences that allow them to take ownership of their learning, to manage life transitions, and to engage meaningfully with digital tools and environments.

Therefore, the DIDACTIVE Agency Competence Framework (ACF) was designed, so as to meet this challenge by fostering adult VET learners’ sense of agency—the capacity to act independently and make purposeful decisions. It encourages learners to critically assess their situation, to envision possible futures, and to mobilize the resources and the resilience necessary to achieve their goals in both personal and professional contexts.

More precisely, this framework integrates two key European models i.e. LifeComp, which emphasizes lifelong learning through personal development, social skills, and self-directed learning; and DigComp, which outlines essential digital skills for thriving in digital environments. Together, these frameworks create a holistic foundation that addresses both personal and digital dimensions of modern agency.

DAISSy-HOU carried out the DIDACTIVE project research in Greece – such as every project partner completed in parallel, in the other four (4) partner-countries – which serves as the basis of the ACF. Processing the research findings reveals various interpretations of the “agency” term. Even though different countries use various translations—some highlighting empowerment, others focusing on decision-making or resilience—they all agree that “agency” means the ability to act on one’s own, handle challenges, and influence one’s environment.

It is noteworthy, that the DIDACTIVE Agency Competence Framework highlights four main topics:

• Imagination & Future-orientation: Encouraging learners to analyze their current situation, recognize developmental needs, and envisage future goals
• Mobilization & Action: Equipping individuals with the ability to identify and effectively mobilize personal and contextual resources, set clear objectives, and execute action plans
• Self-regulation & Resilience: Fostering the skills required to manage emotions, handle stress, and maintain overall well-being while persisting toward challenging goals
• Learning to Learn & Adaptation: Supporting continuous self-improvement through monitoring progress, reviewing plans, and making adaptive adjustments in response to changing circumstances.

DIDACTIVE is a two-year project (30.10.2024-29.10.2026) funded by the ERASMUS Lump Sum Grant program of the European Union (EU). It is coordinated by “En.A.I.P. Piemonte” (Italy) and the project consortium includes six (6) partners in five (5) EU member states (Austria, Croatia, France, Greece, and the Netherlands). The DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University operates for the effective implementation of the project activities in Greece, while supporting relevant bodies, aiming at maximizing the exploitation of the project’s results.

Stay tuned and learn more about the DIDACTIVE project of DAISSy-HOU:

• Website: didactiveproject.eu