The co-creation workshop on Digitalization and Green Transition in Higher Education Institutions was anchored in the objectives of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) programme. Its aim was to collaboratively develop strategic, context-specific approaches to advance digitalization and the green transition in education, research, and institutional operations within HEIs.
Held on 9th May 2025 at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), the hybrid workshop brought together both in-person and online participants. A total of 147 stakeholders participated, comprising 93 males and 54 females from a range of sectors and universities in Africa (including the University of Ghana and the International University of Management, Namibia) and Europe (Haaga-Helia University, Finland, and Technical University of Košice, Slovakia). Participants included university management, policymakers, lecturers, researchers, students, and industry representatives—each contributing diverse insights to co-create themes and identify the capacity-building needs of sub-Saharan African higher education in digitalization and green transition.
The workshop featured keynote presentations that introduced and explored the concepts of digitalization and green transition, emphasizing their relevance to HEIs in sub-Saharan Africa. A strong emphasis was placed on aligning institutional development with global sustainability frameworks, particularly UN SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action).
Theoretical discussions focused on Human-Centered Digitalization and Ecological Modernization Theory, urging institutions to embed digital and environmental priorities across governance, curriculum, and operations. Presentations also highlighted international policy frameworks such as the European Green Deal, the EU Digital Compass 2030, and the UN SDGs, with suggestions on how HEIs can adapt these into local actions through curriculum alignment and institutional reforms.
A focal point of the workshop was the concept of Smart Cities and Mobility, prompting critical reflection on how “smart” HEIs currently are and their potential role in advancing green transitions. Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Digital Twins were spotlighted for their applications in teaching, environmental monitoring, and pollution control—essential tools for reducing institutional carbon footprints.
The workshop concluded with a strategy development session focused on crafting a Twin Transition Roadmap for UEW. Facilitated by project leaders, participants articulated vision statements, outlined actionable goals, and established stakeholder commitments. Proposed short-term initiatives included conducting digital energy audits, forming student sustainability clubs, and integrating green modules into general education curricula.
In summary, the workshop successfully raised awareness of the twin transition and fostered cross-sector collaboration. Participants co-developed practical, locally adapted solutions and pledged to take concrete next steps toward a more sustainable and digitally empowered future in higher education.