The ACTIVATE project focuses on supporting artisans, craftspeople, and self-employed workers in adapting to the ongoing green and digital transition in Europe. Through cooperation between partner organisations from Italy, Bulgaria, and Lithuania, the project aims to strengthen vocational education and training by developing practical tools that help artisans modernise their work methods. Many artisans have limited access to training opportunities that combine sustainability and digitalisation, which are increasingly important for remaining competitive in today’s market. ACTIVATE responds to this need by creating accessible learning resources and practical guidance that allow artisans to integrate greener practices and digital solutions into their daily activities, while preserving the value of traditional craftsmanship.

The main objective of the project is to help artisans and small business professionals develop the green and digital skills needed to adapt their work processes to modern economic and environmental demands. To achieve this, the project partners will collaboratively design a roadmap that guides users in analysing key areas of their work, such as accounting, billing, marketing, and supply chain management, and identifies opportunities for sustainable and digital improvements. In addition, the project will develop a digital toolkit that provides practical resources, learning materials, and step-by-step guidance to support users in implementing the roadmap. The partners will also involve trainers, educators, and consultants in the process, strengthening their capacity to support artisans in their professional development. Through testing, feedback, and international collaboration, the project aims to ensure that the developed tools are practical, accessible, and relevant for different contexts across Europe.

The ACTIVATE project will produce several key outcomes that support artisans and professionals working with them. The main results include a comprehensive roadmap that helps users assess and improve their work practices from both sustainability and digitalisation perspectives, and a digital toolkit containing micro-learning units, templates, tutorials, and practical guidance aligned with the roadmap. These tools will be tested with participants from the partner countries through workshops and learning activities to ensure their usability and relevance. The final materials will be translated into multiple languages and made accessible to a wider audience through local dissemination events, online platforms, and stakeholder networks. By sharing these results with educators, trainers, institutions, and professional communities, the project will contribute to strengthening green and digital competencies in the vocational education and training sector and support the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of artisan businesses.