Innovation through Design Thinking for Education And Learning (IDEAL)
European project designed to help adult education keep pace with a world that changes faster than ever, embracing life-long learning
We are all feeling it: New technologies, new work realities, new social challenges, and a growing need to upgrade both digital skills and the human “superpowers” that make learning and adaptation possible (critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication, trust building).
IDEAL brings together partners from Romania, Spain, Bulgaria, and Belgium to co-create practical, accessible learning resources that strengthen adult education through design thinking, leadership and digital innovation.
Our objectives
- Understand the real needs, barriers and motivations of adult learners and adult trainers across different contexts.
- Develop a practical training curriculum and tools that combine design thinking, leadership and digital competence.
- Test and improve these resources through pilots and real learning environments.
- Share what we learn widely, so adult education providers can adopt the outputs beyond the project.
- Contribute to stronger policy and practice for future-ready adult learning in Europe.
IDEAL begins by listening
Your answers will help shape what we build: the curriculum, the tools and the formats. Whether you learn as an adult, or you train adults, your experience is essential. Choose your survey:
Partners
IDEAL (Erasmus project: 2025-1-RO01-KA220-ADU-000360862) is developed by a European consortium with complementary strengths in education innovation, leadership and digital transformation: Creative Projects and Events (CPE) — Romania, Evolving Education Social Action (EESA) — Spain, Social Innovators Bulgaria (SIB) — Bulgaria, New Mindset Coaching & Training (NMCT) — Belgium.
Project phases
IDEAL follows a simple path: listen → design → test → improve → share.
Phase 1 — Understanding needs (Baseline assessment): We collect insights from adult learners and adult trainers to identify real needs, challenges, and opportunities.
Phase 2 — Co-creating solutions (Curriculum & tools development): We design a practical learning programme and resources combining design thinking, leadership, and digital skills.
Phase 3 — Testing in real contexts (Pilots & iteration): We implement the training in partner countries, gather feedback and evidence, and improve the materials.
Phase 4 — Policy & long-term adoption: We translate learning into recommendations that can strengthen adult education practice and systems.
Phase 5 — Dissemination & community impact: We share outputs openly through events, networks, and digital channels; so they can reach and serve many more educators and learners.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.