The DISC project aimed to strengthen the role of higher education in promoting sustainable development by developing interdisciplinary, competence-based learning formats. Our objectives were to: (1) create courses and modules on sustainability and innopreneurship; (2) develop and pilot design-based collaborative learning (DBCL) and design-based collaborative research (DBCR) approaches that link students with real-world sustainability challenges; (3) provide continuing professional development (CPD) for HE educators, equipping them with competences for education for sustainable development (ESD); (4) establish an open online platform for sustainability learning, networking, and knowledge exchange; and (5) foster transnational cooperation between HEIs, business, and civic actors. Through these actions, we sought to advance sustainability literacy, embed the SDGs in higher education, and contribute to a more resilient, innovative and socially responsible academic culture.
Universities play a key role in addressing today’s urgent societal and environmental challenges. However, sustainability education remains fragmented, with few holistic and practice-oriented learning approaches in place. We applied for the DISC project to address this gap by fostering sustainability literacy, competence-based learning, and innovation across higher education. The project responds to the growing need for interdisciplinary, transnational collaboration in tackling the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while empowering students and educators to lead sustainable development initiatives within their communities. It also tackles the digital and green transition in HE by promoting blended learning, validation of competences, and real-world project engagement. Furthermore, there was a strong need to connect academic knowledge with civic and business practice, and to engage HE institutions in fostering a sustainability culture both within and beyond the classroom.