As part of the D-GREEN project activities, a series of national workshops were conducted in Italy, Spain, Austria, Estonia and Sweden, involving SMEs, VET trainers and domain experts.
The purpose of these workshops was to collect structured input on:
- training needs related to digital sustainability
- barriers and enabling factors for SMEs
- expectations regarding training content, format and delivery
The outcomes of these activities have been consolidated into a transnational report, which provides a synthesis of cross-country findings and translates them into operational guidelines for the development of the D-GREEN Handbook.
Objectives of the consolidated report
The report serves a dual function:
- Synthesis of workshop findings
It aggregates and systematises inputs collected at national level, identifying recurring themes and country-specific priorities. - Design input for the Handbook
It translates these findings into a production-oriented structure, defining content priorities, methodological approaches and supporting materials.
The report is intended to support:
- alignment among project partners
- decision-making within WP2 (Handbook development)
- consistency with other project outputs (MOOC and assessment tools)
Key cross-country findings
The analysis highlights a strong convergence across participating countries on several requirements for the Handbook.
1. Practical and trainer-oriented approach
All workshops emphasised the need for a non-theoretical, operational resource.
The Handbook is expected to:
- provide step-by-step implementation guidance
- include tools, templates and checklists
- support direct application in SME contexts
This implies that the Handbook should be structured as a modular toolkit, rather than a linear text.
2. Modularity and adaptability
SMEs differ significantly in terms of:
- size and organisational structure
- sector and business model
- digital and sustainability maturity
As a result, the Handbook must support adaptation to different contexts.
The proposed approach includes:
- SME segmentation (personas)
- differentiated maturity levels (e.g. L0–L3)
- flexible training pathways
This ensures usability across heterogeneous SME profiles.
3. Business case and relevance for SMEs
Workshop feedback indicates that training effectiveness depends on the ability to clearly communicate:
- the relevance of digital sustainability
- its economic and operational implications
- the risks of inaction
The Handbook will therefore include structured elements to support trainers in presenting a clear business case and urgency framing.
4. Measurement and monitoring
A consistent requirement across countries concerns the need for measurable and comparable indicators.
The Handbook will integrate:
- SME-oriented KPI frameworks
- monitoring routines
- benchmarking approaches
Measurement is expected to be embedded throughout the training logic (baseline → action → follow-up), rather than treated as a standalone component.
5. Governance and organisational integration
The workshops highlighted the importance of clarifying:
- roles and responsibilities within SMEs
- decision-making processes
- integration of sustainability into existing workflows
This dimension is essential to ensure that digital sustainability is embedded in organisational practices, rather than implemented as isolated actions.
6. Pedagogical and facilitation aspects
In addition to content, the report emphasises the importance of training delivery methods.
VET trainers require:
- facilitation techniques adapted to SMEs
- approaches to manage resistance to change
- methods to engage diverse learner profiles
Consequently, the Handbook will include a dedicated Trainer Toolkit, focusing on delivery processes and adaptation strategies.
7. Use of real-life cases and practical examples
All countries highlighted the need for:
- real SME case studies
- before/after implementation examples
- sector-specific applications
These elements are considered essential to ensure practical relevance and transferability.
Implications for the Handbook structure
Based on these findings, the report proposes a production-ready structure for the D-GREEN Handbook, organised into the following components:
- Foundations (definitions, business case, context)
- Trainer Toolkit (design and delivery of training)
- Core modules on digital sustainability practices
- Measurement and governance
- Case studies and ready-to-use materials
- Annexes (toolkits, checklists, templates)
Each module will follow a standardised template, including:
- objectives
- implementation steps
- tools and resources
- KPIs and monitoring guidance
- customisation options
This structure ensures consistency, usability and alignment with project requirements.
