The project aimed to support the digital transformation of third sector organisations and MSMEs by fostering a more modern, dynamic and professional working environment through the use of open-source solutions. The main objectives were to improve staff’s digital skills by enabling them to use open-source tools tailored to their professional needs (management, communication, marketing, etc.), and to strengthen organisations’ capacity to structure their digital transition. The project also aimed to develop practical and accessible resources, such as a toolkit, a MOOC, a self-assessment tool and guidelines, to support organisations in building their skills and digital autonomy. Finally, DIGITopen aimed to support vocational training providers by enriching their educational offering and to foster the creation of collaborative learning communities at European level. These objectives contribute directly to European priorities regarding digital transformation and the adaptation of training to the needs of the labour market.
We applied for this project to address the lack of digital capabilities observed within third sector organisations and MSMEs. Despite the acceleration of digitalisation, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, these organisations continue to lag behind due to limited resources, a lack of digital skills and insufficient access to suitable tools. This project aimed to address these needs by facilitating access to open-source, accessible and sustainable solutions, enabling organisations to improve their operations and efficiency. It also addresses an identified lack of structured training provision on these technologies. DIGITopen aligns with European priorities regarding digital transformation and education, helping to strengthen digital skills, promote inclusion and support an innovative, accessible training ecosystem centred on learners’ needs.