Call for proposals to develop a Digital Transformation Learning Portfolio

EIT RawMaterials has issued a call for proposals to develop a “Digital Transformation Learning Portfolio,” aimed at equipping professionals in the raw materials sector with key skills for adapting to the growing importance of digital technologies. The call targets consortia composed of members from at least two of the three pillars of the EIT Knowledge Triangle: academia, research organizations, and industry, across three or more countries associated with the EU’s Horizon Europe program. The purpose of this initiative is to create high-quality training programs focused on the most critical aspects of digital transformation in the raw materials sector, supporting technological innovation and economic growth while enhancing sustainability. 

The portfolio will address key challenges facing the raw materials sector by covering topics related to digital transformation, including but not limited to:

• Smart mining and circular economy technologies that utilize data and smart algorithms to improve efficiencies.
• 3D printing and smart materials offering innovative solutions to technical challenges.
• Advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, IoT, robotics, and digital twins, which are transforming mineral exploration, mining, and recycling operations.

The overall objective is to develop a comprehensive set of educational programs that will:

• Enhance the digital literacy of professionals within the raw materials industry.
• Offer introductory courses, advanced modules, and integration of digital transformation tools into existing degree and lifelong learning programs.
• Provide specialized courses for non-technical professionals, company leaders, technical experts, and entrepreneurs.

The table below expounds on the different categories of digital transformation relevant to the sector.

The selected consortium will be tasked with the ideation, development, and delivery of a learning portfolio that includes:

• An introductory course that provides a general overview of the six key pillars of digital transformation relevant to the raw materials sector.
• Advanced courses on specific topics such as AI, machine learning, digital twins, and IoT in raw materials.
• Workshops and hands-on learning experiences that allow participants to directly apply new knowledge to their workplace.
• A proof-of-concept pilot that demonstrates the effectiveness of the portfolio by attracting at least 150 participants and generating a minimum of €10,000 in revenue within the 12-month project funding period.

Additionally, all content developed must incorporate innovative pedagogical techniques such as interactive digital tools, case studies, and real-world applications to ensure that participants can apply their learning to industry-specific challenges. 

The project will be implemented in two phases (this call pertains to Phase 1 only):

• Phase 1 (12 months): Ideation, course development, and proof-of-concept pilot. This includes developing the full content for the courses and delivering a pilot that meets the financial and participant targets. 
• Phase 2: Full implementation within the EIT RawMaterials Academy, which may be the subject of a separate call depending on the outcomes of Phase 1 and the availability of further funding.

The success of the project will be evaluated based on key performance indicators (KPIs), which include reaching revenue and participation targets, as well as the quality of the content developed. Additionally, the selected consortium will be required to deliver quarterly progress reports, including financials and participant feedback, as part of the quality assurance process. 

The project aligns with EIT RawMaterials’ goal of financial sustainability, which is a key component of the European Union’s Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) model. The winning proposal should outline a clear strategy for generating revenue, ensuring that the educational programs continue to thrive beyond the initial funding period.

• The maximum amount of funding available for the project is €1.5 million.
• Funding will be disbursed in two stages: 75% upon the signing of the project agreement and 25% upon approval of the final project report.
• The proposal should include a detailed budget, a pricing model for participants, and market research on competing educational products to ensure the portfolio is competitively positioned.

The consortium may propose co-funding if relevant, though it is not a mandatory requirement. 

The Digital Transformation Learning Portfolio will target a broad range of participants across various sectors, including:

• Company leaders and decision-makers
• Industry professionals and employees, especially in technical roles
• Entrepreneurs and startups in the raw materials industry
• Government officials at regional and national levels
• Researchers and educators involved in technological innovation

The portfolio should be designed to cater to both technical and non-technical professionals, ensuring that participants from diverse backgrounds can benefit from the courses offered. 

• Proposals must be submitted by 9 December 2024 via the EIT RawMaterials’ SeedBook platform.
• Eligibility criteria include representation from at least three countries and participation from members of the Knowledge Triangle.
• Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of external experts based on criteria such as the excellence of the consortium, innovation capacity, project management, financial sustainability, and market research.
• The evaluation process will take place from 9 December to 13 December 2024, with selected projects expected to begin by 20 January 2025. 
   

All intellectual property generated during Phase 1 will be transferred to EIT RawMaterials, which reserves the right to exploit or alter the materials as needed. However, consortium members will receive visibility as content creators and can negotiate for certain exploitation rights if they intend to use the project results for their own purposes. 

• Call launch: 7 October 2024 
• Application Start Date: 14 October 2024
• Proposal submission deadline: 9 December 2024 
• Project start date (if selected): January 20, 2025

This call represents a significant opportunity for consortia, with expertise in digital transformation, training, and raw materials, to create impactful educational content while contributing to the sector’s long-term sustainability. 

• Digital Transformation Learning Portfolio Call Guidelines
• Application Guidance and Template
   

About EIT RawMaterials

Minerals, metals, and advanced materials are key enablers to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal. Today, only a fraction of the most relevant raw materials is produced in Europe. This can be changed through a circular economy approach, through innovation in recycling, substitution, processing, mining, and exploration. The objective of EIT RawMaterials is to secure a sustainable raw materials supply by driving innovation, education, and entrepreneurship across European industrial ecosystems.

EIT RawMaterials, initiated and funded by the EIT, a body of the European Union, is an Innovation Community which provides a collaborative environment for disruptive and breakthrough innovations by connecting business with academia, research, and investment. It also invests in future generations of innovators for the raw materials sector through initiatives ranging from education of school students to higher qualifications for industry professionals, through the EIT RawMaterials Academy.

About EIT RawMaterials Academy

EIT RawMaterials Academy is the overarching brand of all the education activities of EIT RawMaterials. These range from innovative education projects launched via calls and run by the Innovation Community’s partners to a number of centrally operated projects. Activities across the entire ecosystem of learners – PhD students, Masters’ students, industrial partners, professionals within the raw materials sector, and wider society – foster new ways of learning and teaching by connecting academia, industry, and research organisations.