SDG/Domain

Preparatory

Transversal

The ability to identify and evaluate new business opportunities, develop and implement innovative strategies to capitalise on these opportunities, leverage technology to create new products or services, and adapt to changing market conditions. It also involves skills such as problem-solving, creativity, risk management, and strategic thinking.

Entrepreneurship, technology and innovation

Creating and implementing innovative business ideas using technology

Language learning, together with other transversal skills and competences are not specifically related to a particular discipline or area of knowledge, but are relevant to a broad range of occupations and sectors. They can be addressed as skills that contribute to the development of a person.

Language learning

Effective reading, writing, speaking, and listening of languages

The competence to contribute to the building and maintaining of resilient communities that possess the necessary qualities, resources, and capacities to withstand and recover from various challenges, shocks, and adversities. Resilient communities develop in many ways, through building strong social connections, developing robust, sustainable infrastructure, and embracing diversity and inclusivity. The abilities to develop and implement policies, practices, and interventions that promote resilience at individual, community, and systemic levels. The knowledge of various dimensions such as social, economic, environmental, and infrastructural that relate to the development of resilient communities.

Resilient communities

Seek solutions for the healthy and sustainable development of communities in their structure, socio-political interactions, and connection with technological developments.

The knowledge, skills and attitude important to thrive in the fields of energy and sustainability. Energy presents a fundamental challenge shared by cities and regions across Europe as well as globally, characterised by the ‘trilemma’ of seeking to achieve secure supply, affordability, and environmental sustainability. However, at the regional level, there are opportunities to revolutionise production, distribution and consumption. Approaches should work with the assets of each region. For example, regions that are positioned close to capture energy (wind, sun, hydropower, biofuel from crops or waste) or locations that are well-positioned to areas of great demand (industrial hubs, adjacent cities) can develop smart infrastructure accordingly.

A key opportunity for rurban areas is to use smart systems to decentralise energy supply and take back the ownership of localised energy production, for example through ground source heat pumps (GSHP), wind power or solar. This can enable more remote locations to secure their own clean energy supply. Rural areas offer great opportunities for solving energy and sustainability problems.Tackling this trilemma involves maximising efficiency across the system, from the generation of clean energy to power buildings and transportation, the storage and distribution of energy when and where it is needed, and the smart consumption by end-users.

Energy and sustainability

Seeking energy solutions to achieve the trilemma of secure supply, affordability, and environmental sustainability.

A circular economy transition requires adapting to the specific situation of each city and region, utilising its inherent qualities and strengths. Cities and regions have different policies to support the transition to a circular economy, operate along with different times scales, but also differ in their foci and their urgency. As a result, achieving a circular economy will generally require intergovernmental cooperation, which may require special attention in the case of rurban regions where municipalities operate more independently.

A circular rural and urban region embeds the principles of a circular economy across all its functions, establishing a regional system that is regenerative and restorative by design, with a strong interaction between the urbanised and surrounding rural areas. A major challenge for rurban regions will be to identify the quantities and quality of the resource flow at a regional level while identifying and evaluating potential solutions that will contribute to a sustainable, biodiverse environment. The involves the essential digitalisation for measuring, monitoring and supporting these resource flows. Digital technology has enabled a fundamental shift in the way the economy functions, offering possibilities for radical virtualisation, de-materialisation and greater transparency of product use and material flows.

At the same time, it creates new ways of operating and participating in the economy for producers and users. Through the collection and analysis of data on materials, people and external conditions, digital technology has the potential to identify the challenges of resource flows in regions, outline the key areas of structural waste, and inform more effective decision-making on how to address these challenges and provide systemic solutions. For this purpose, cities and regions need clear, transparent rules that gradually raise standards. Systems for enforcing those rules and monitoring overall progress are required. This includes removing regulatory barriers within and across countries and phasing out incentives for unsustainable resource use.

Circular economy

Seeking solutions for resource flows that contribute to a sustainable, biodiverse environment.

The ability to analyse and evaluate information in a systematic and logical manner, while also generating new and original ideas through creative and divergent thinking. It involves questioning assumptions, considering multiple perspectives, recognising patterns and connections, and applying knowledge and experience to solve complex problems.

Critical and innovative thinking

Systematic analysis and creative problem solving

The ability to communicate effectively, understand and empathise with others, work collaboratively in teams, and navigate conflicts skilfully, contributing to positive and productive relationships in various personal and professional settings.

Inter-personal skills

Fostering relationships through effective communication, empathy, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

The ability to integrate various environmental, social and governance considerations when making financial decisions towards a circular economy. The knowledge about the sustainable investments, and the mindset to develop longer-term investment scenarios for sustainable economic activities and projects.

Financing circular economy

Developing finance schemes for the circular economy taking into account environmental and societal concerns.

The ability to manage the methods and processes used to collect, transport, treat, recycle, and dispose of waste for the benefit of a healthy, hygenic society. The knowledge of monitoring practices for safe waste disposal and a mindset to consider waste management as part of the circular economy, not only an end point.

Waste management

Manage effective, healthy processes for safe waste disposal.

The ability to promote policies, activities, and educational programmes that encourage sustainable consumer consumption behaviour. The knowledge of methods for behaviour change in consumers and of the interconnected nature of production supply chains. The mindset to lead the change needed to realise changes in sustainable consumption and production.

Responsible consumption and production

Promoting and integrating responsible, sustainable consumption and production practices.

The ability to apply principles, policies, and regulations towards environmental sustainability. The knowledge and skills to identify and enact methods towards the reduction of waste, energy, and water consumption, the reuse and recycling of products, and the engagement in the sharing economy. The mindset to proactively develop effective policies and implement changes into a circular economy.

Sharing and reusing

Identifying and applying policies, regulations, and activities to promote better consumption behaviours and shared economy.

The ability to develop strategies to find solutions to practical, operational or conceptual problems in a wide range of contexts. This includes the ability to identify, analyse, and resolve challenges using critical thinking. The attitude to approach problems with a clear and open mind, break them down into manageable parts, and use a variety of tools and techniques to generate solutions. The awareness to anticipate potential obstacles and adjust approaches as needed.

Problem solving

Finding solutions to challenges or issues

The ability to utilise creative thinking techniques, brainstorming, and idea generation processes to develop unique solutions to problems or challenges. It involves breaking away from conventional patterns of thought and exploring new possibilities to come up with fresh perspectives and insights.

Generate ideas

Creatively imagine new ideas

The ability to develop ideas or conclusions that lead to the creation and implementation of innovations or changes.

Innovative thinking

Flexibly develop innovative ideas

The ability to generate original or new ideas or combine existing ones to develop innovative, novel solutions by utilising divergent thinking techniques and breaking away from conventional patterns of thought. It involves exploring different perspectives, taking risks, embracing ambiguity and uncertainty, and developing unique solutions to problems or challenges.

Creative thinking

Promoting originality and innovation through divergent and holistic thinking

The ability to design social areas and public spaces that are open and inclusive to all. The knowledge of inclusivity and key groups affected. And the ability to plan, develop, and create open spaces in cooperation with communities, clients, and other professionals.

Inclusive public spaces

Designing public spaces to be open and inclusive for all.

The ability to develop and implement policies in organizations to promote a positive, inclusive environment with equality of opportunity for all. The knowledge and awareness of the various needs and perspectives of minority groups (ethnicities, genders, religious groups, etc.).

Inclusive policies

Developing and implementing policies in organisations to promote inclusivity for genders, ethnicities and minority groups.

The ability to manage projects and programme activities. The knowledge of variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.

Project management

Manage projects effectively

The ability to access and analyse digital data and to select and use ICT systems for a variety of complex tasks in order to meet a variety of needs.

ICT systems

Using ICT systems

The ability to show acceptance of others and take on new ideas and experiences. The mindset to be interested and open to the problems of others while being aware and conscious of one's biases and prejudices and actively considering these.

Openness

Willingness to consider new ideas and perspectives.

The ability to accept and respect differences in opinions, beliefs, and behaviours of others who hold different views or come from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Tolerance

Acceptance of opinions, beliefs, and behaviours of others

The ability to actively listen and comprehend the the meaning of other's messages with attentiveness, empathy, and engagement. The ability to paraphrase message to ensure understanding and clarify any points of confusion.

Active listening

Attentive and engaged listening for effective communication

The ability to participate actively in dialogue with others effectively to reach a desired outcome. The ability to listen, consider points, and ask appropriate questions to contribute to a productive, healthy discussion.

Active discussion

Participation in collaborative dialogue for effective communication

The ability to remain involved with one's tasks in spite of fatigue or frustration. The mindset to persevere through challenges or obstacles. The abilty to retain personal values and principles, while balancing new information and perspectives that may confront with those deeply-held values.

Perseverence

Continuing effort despite challenges or obstacles

The ability to withstand adversity, demonstrate resilience, and find ways to resolve or manage the effects of difficult life events. The mindset to maintain positivity and react to unexpected or challenging issues in healthy ways.

Resilience

Approaching situations with optimism and constructive mindset.

The ability to understand control one's own capabilities and limitations and use this self-awareness to manage one's activities in a variety of contexts. The ability to act reflectively and responsibly about one's competences, to accept feedback, and to seek opportunities for personal and professional development. To grow, apart and to return, and to do what is necessary and adapt to change.

Self management

Manging one's behaviour and actions towards personal and professional development.

Portuguese

Polish

German

Irish

Italian

Danish

Finnish

The ability to comprehend, interpret, and draw insights from big data presented in mathematical or quantitative forms. It encompasses various skills such as performing calculations, interpreting graphs and charts, identifying patterns and trends, drawing conclusions, and making informed decisions based on data analysis.

Understanding and analysing numerical and statistical information

Interpreting numerical and statistical data accurately

The ability to use digital technologies effectively to achieve work objectives. The skills needed for practical, real-life applications across different occupations and educational fields.

Digital competence

Effective use of digital technologies

The ability to analyse, interpret, compare, and critically evaluate the credibility of (sources of) digital information.

Analysing and evaluating media content

Assessing and interpreting media materials critically.

The ability to examine and interpret numerical information to identify patterns, trends, and relationships within the data or between different variables.

Statistical information

The ability to collect, evaluate, and derive insights from large volumes of complex and diverse data. The knowledge of relevant technologies and platforms for handling big data and the attitudes to explore possibilities of big data.

Big data

Leveraging big data for valuable insights and decision-making

The ability to develop and implement policies, programs, and interventions that maintain sanitary public areas.

Public areas

Create sanitary and clean public areas

The ability to devise transport sector strategies and policies. Knowledge of the the public administration and regulatory aspects of the transportation and infrastructure sectors, and requirements necessary to create effective policies.

Sustainable transport policies

Creating sustainable transport policies

The ability to develop solutions for reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector. The skills to evaluate the most sustainable and cost-effective transport options, develop and implement strategies to promote low carbon transportation, and work collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve sustainable transportation goals. The knowledge of different types of low carbon transportation technologies and infrastructure, the environmental impacts of transportation, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion. The strong sense of environmental responsibility, and a positive attitude towards sustainable transportation options.

Low carbon transport

Develop low-carbon options for transportation

The ability to use various methods to analyse green-house gas emissions such as CO2 emissions.

Vehicle footprint

Evaluate the ecological footprint of vehicles.

Effective transport and mobility is an integral part of achieving sustainable development across all scales, from city networks to rurban to national to international networks. Technological innovations are already delivering improvements to transport service delivery, user experience and environmental performance across various transport modes (road-based, rail, aerospace, active travel), but this is only the beginning. The world of transport will transform dramatically over the coming decade as new technology, such as decarbonised power sources, mobile communications, AI and big data radically transform the way that transport outcomes can be delivered.

Transport and Mobility

Seek solutions for achieving sustainable development of the way people and resources move around the world.

The ability to access, analyse, evaluate, create and communicate information effectively and responsibly using various forms of media.

Media and information literacy

Media and information literacy skills

The ability to understand oneself and engage in self-reflection for continuous self-improvement and personal development. The ability to manage one's behaviour and emotions effectively in the pursuit of personal goals. The attitude of a positive mindset with enthusiasm and perseverance.

Intra-personal skills

Personal growth through self-awareness, emotional management, and resilient positivity for goal attainment

The awareness, understanding, and acceptance of one's role and responsibilities as a member of the global community. The recognition that the world is interconnected and interdependent, and that their actions can have an impact not only locally but also globally. This involves knowledge of global issues, such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and human rights, and the ability to critically analyse and understand their causes and consequences. It also involves having a respect for cultural diversity and an ability to communicate and collaborate with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. A global citizen demonstrates a commitment to social and environmental justice, and actively works towards creating positive change both locally and globally.

Global citizenship

Awareness of global interdependence, social responsibility, cultural diversity

The ability to show a positive attitude towards new and challenging demands by learning through various means, such as experience, instruction, observation, or study. It involves the cognitive processes of perception, attention, memory, and problem-solving, as well as the emotional and motivational factors that influence learning.

Ability to learn

Acquiring and retaining knowledge and skills

The ability to process information, ideas and committments and to take into account indirect and long-term consequences when planning and making decisions. Consider the effects on other people, processes and the environment and include these in your planning. The ability to take a proactive approach with self-management and accept responsibility and accountability for one's own professional decisions and actions, or those delegated to others.

Conscientiousness

Assume responsibility and meet commitments

The ability to integrate elements of sustainability and balanced resource consumption in the development of urban infrastructure. This involves the awareness of principles, policies and regulations, knowledge of how to apply them in different contexts, a mindset for sustainable development, and adept ability to maneuver through complex stakeholder dynamics in the context of urbanisation.

Sustainable urbanization

Awareness and ability to champion sustainable development in urban infrastructure projects

The ability to develop and apply risk management processes to prevent and respond to disasters and emergencies. The knowledge of potential risks, compliance regulations, and actions for contingency plans. The proactive attitude to identify risks and develop solutions to protect and reduce negative impact.

Disaster risk reduction

Develop and apply risk management processes to prevent and reduce the negative impact of disaster situations.

The ability to minimise impact of activities on the surrounding environment through assessing work practices, applying policies for protection, and employing sustainable waste and disposal practices. The knowledge of environmental regulations and sustainable practices and and ability to identify potential areas of environmental damage. The mindset of long-term sustainability in the development of practices and the feeling of responsibility to improve.

Environmental impact

Minimising negative environmental impact of work practices.

The ability to innovate for social needs. The knowledge of innovative models, products or services which meet a social need and have as a consequence the creation of new collaborations in the social field.

Social innovation

Create novel solutions for social issues.

The ability, knowledge and skills required to effectively use and leverage various types of technology to accomplish work-related tasks and goals.

Working with technology

Using technology

The ability to develop entrepreneurial and financial skills and competencies through organising and managing an own business venture, identifying and pursuing opportunities and mobilising resources, keeping in mind a profitability perspective.

Entrepreneurial skills

Demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit

The ability to work with digital devices and applications and to list simple instructions for a computing system to solve problems or perform tasks at a basic level and with appropriate guidance where needed.

Programming skills

Applying basic programming skills

The ability to use information technologies and equipment to storing, retrieving, transmitting and manipulating data. The ability to use online and digital tools for collaboration, communication, and productivity

IT tools

Using IT tools

The ability to utilise the knowledge of various aspects related to the functioning and operations of businesses to develop solutions to societal challenges.

Business Knowledge

Using business knowledge

The ability to show tolerance and appreciation for different values and norms held by different people and cultures. The mindset and awareness to respect, always, that these values, norms, and perspectives are developed under different circumstances and in different times and places.

Respect for Diversity

Value differences in people's identities, cultures, and backgrounds.

The ability to actively attempt to understand and respect people who are perceived to have different cultural affinities, and respond effectively and respectfully to them. The ability to demonstrate cross-cultural competence in adapting to cross-cultural situations with a considerations for the different backgrounds and perspectives of those from different cultural backgrounds.

Intercultural understanding

Respectful understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures

The ability to effectively and confidently work within a group. The mindset and ability to cooperate with each other and handle the team dynamics required for everyone to do their part for the whole. The ability to cooperate, negotiate meanings with each other, and build knowledge together to achieve a shared goal. The knowledge of how to structure teams, depending on the context, to effectively work towards cooperation for group goals.

Teamwork

Collaborating with others to achieve goals.

The ability and awareness to notice and interpret the non-verbal signals that people send out with their body, including oneself. The active communication with colleagues and others using body language and other non-verbal cues in order to ensure effective and clear working relationships.

Non-verbal communication skills

Expressing and understanding ideas effectively without speech

The ability to navigate and resolve conflicts or disputes between people or groups. The mindset to understand perspectives and aspects of the conflict, and work to improve the situation. This encompasses reducing the negative aspects of a conflict and increasing the positive outcomes of it by learning from the errors made.

Conflict resolution

Resolving disputes and disagreements peacefully

The ability to act in an understanding and supportive manner that is sensitive to others' needs and feelings. The ability to communicate and demonstrate empathy and consideration for others and their perspective. This includes a capacity to understand various verbal and non-verbal communication of sentiment, feeling, and emotions.

Empathy

Showing empathy and understanding through sensitive communication and emotional awareness

The ability to communicate effectively with others. To be able to consider other perspectives, reflect, and clearly communicate one's opinions. The ability to actively listen carefully to others, understand points being made, and formulate appropriate questions, without interrupting at inappropriate times. Patiently listen to the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.

Verbal Communication skills

Expressing and understanding ideas effectively through speech.

The ability to effectively, regularly, and systematically reflect on own actions, performance, and attitudes, and make necessary adjustments. The metacognitive awareness to reflect on one's self-regulation. The mindset to proactively identify areas of knowledge and competency gaps and to seek professional development opportunities to fill those gaps.

Exercise self-reflection

Examining and evaluating one's thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours

The ability to manage one's time schedule and resources in order to finish tasks in a timely manner. The ability to create and implement personal plans of action. The knowledge to build in considerations for risk and opportunities and adapt one's behaviour as new issues emerge and changes occur.

Planning

Self-regulation, planning, monitoring, and control of one's time.

The ability to confidently express oneself in various contexts. The attitude to stand up for oneself and be treated with respect without being aggressive, rude, or submissive. The knowledge and awareness for when one's input and perspective should be included, even if it is in contrast to others' perspectives.

Assertiveness

Confidently expressing thoughts, needs, and opinions while respecting others

The ability to maintain effort in work driven by an interest or enjoyment in work itself, in the absence of external pressures. The attitude of curiosity, to find positive aspects of situations and enthusiastically dive into exploring tasks and activities.

Demonstrate enthusiasm

Showing eagerness and passion

Swedish

Norwegian

Spanish

Lithuanian

French

English

Catalan

Dutch

The ability to search for information online utilising search engines and other digital tools, store data properly, and judge the quality and relevance of (digital) information.

4 learning opportunities

Learning opportunity

Topics

Status

Study format

University

4 learning opportunities