SDG/Domain

Preparatory

Transversal

The ability to identify and evaluate new business opportunities, develop and implement innovative strategies to capitalize on these opportunities, leverage technology to create new products or services, and adapt to changing market conditions. It also involves skills such as problem-solving, creativity, risk management, and strategic thinking.

Entrepreneurship, technology and innovation

Creating and implementing innovative business ideas using technology

Language learning, together with other transversal skills and competences are not specifically related to a particular discipline or area of knowledge, but are relevant to a broad range of occupations and sectors. They can be addressed as skills that contribute to the development of a person.

Language learning

Social capital is important to make communities resilient. European urban areas can learn lessons from this. It is clear that rural and rurban areas face demographic challenges. It has been recognised that although a high-quality digital infrastructure and capacity is a must for achieving resilience in rural areas, equally important is that such an infrastructure carries vital services. There is still no clear understanding of which services are useful and needed, and specifically those that lead to resilient rurban communities. Yet there are great opportunities to improve community resilience through self-sustained digitalisation. These include services for alternative forms of transportation and mobility, services that expand the delivery ranges of local shops, specialised e- health services, and advanced privacy-aware social-media services. Likewise, the digital government facilitated by online services strongly supports the resiliency of rural communities, improves quality-of-life and reduces road traffic. In the wider context, the role of digitalisation in resilience planning in rurban communities to mitigate the impact of climate change is becoming of increasing importance. In general, all services for the other pillars can help improve resilience if they exploit locality.

Resilient communities

Seek solutions for the healthy and sustainable development of communities in their structure, socio-political interactions, and connection with technogical developments.

The knowledge, skills and attitude important to thrive in the fields of energy and sustainability. Energy presents a fundamental challenge shared by cities and regions across Europe as well as globally, characterised by the ‘trilemma’ of seeking to achieve secure supply, affordability, and environmental sustainability. However, at the regional level, there are opportunities to revolutionise production, distribution and consumption. Approaches should work with the assets of each region. For example,
regions that are positioned close to capture energy (wind, sun, hydropower, biofuel from crops or waste) or locations that are well-positioned to areas of great demand (industrial hubs, adjacent cities) can develop smart infrastructure accordingly. 

A key opportunity for rurban areas is to use smart systems to decentralise energy supply and take back the ownership of localised energy production, for example through ground source heat pumps (GSHP), wind power or solar. This can enable more remote locations to secure their own clean energy supply. Rural areas offer great opportunities for solving energy and sustainability problems.Tackling this trilemma involves maximising efficiency across the system, from the generation of clean energy to power buildings and transportation, the storage and distribution of energy when and where it is needed, and the smart consumption by end-users.

Energy and sustainability

Seeking energy solutions to achieve the trilemma of secure supply, affordability, and environmental sustainability.

A circular economy transition requires adapting to the specific situation of each city and region, utilising its inherent qualities and strengths. Cities and regions have different policies to support the transition to a circular economy, operate along with different times scales, but also differ in their foci and their urgency. As a result, achieving a circular economy will generally require intergovernmental cooperation, which may require special attention in the case of rurban regions where municipalities operate more independently. 

A circular (r)urban region embeds the principles of a circular economy across all its functions, establishing a regional system that is regenerative and restorative by design, with a strong interaction between the urbanised and surrounding rural areas. A major challenge for rurban regions will be to identify the quantities and quality of the resource flow at a regional level while identifying and evaluating potential solutions that will contribute to a sustainable, biodiverse environment. The involves the essential digitalisation for measuring, monitoring and supporting these resource flows. Digital technology has enabled a fundamental shift in the way the economy functions, offering possibilities for radical virtualisation, de-materialisation and greater transparency of product use and material flows. 

At the same time, it creates new ways of operating and participating in the economy for producers and users. Through the collection and analysis of data on materials, people and external conditions, digital technology has the potential to identify the challenges of resource flows in regions, outline the key areas of structural waste, and inform more effective decision-making on how to address these challenges and provide systemic solutions. For this purpose, cities and regions need clear, transparent rules that gradually raise standards. Systems for enforcing those rules and monitoring overall progress are required. This includes removing regulatory barriers within and across countries and phasing out incentives for unsustainable resource use

Circular economy

Seeking solutions for resource flows that contribute to a sustainable, biodiverse environment.

The ability to analyse and evaluate information in a systematic and logical manner, while also generating new and original ideas through creative and divergent thinking. It involves questioning assumptions, considering multiple perspectives, recognizing patterns and connections, and applying knowledge and experience to solve complex problems.

Critical and innovative thinking

Systematic analysis and creative problem solving

Inter-personal skills

The ability to integrate various environmental, social and governance considerations when making financial decisions towards a circular economy. The knowledge about the sustainable investments, and the mindset to develop longer-term investment scenarios for sustainable economic activities and projects.

Financing circular economy

The process of integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations when making business or investment decisions, leading to increased longer-term investments into sustainable economic activities and projects.

sustainable finance

Developing finance schemes for the circular economy taking into account environmental and societal concerns.

The ability to manage the methods and processes used to collect, transport, treat, recycle, and dispose of waste for the benefit of a healthy, hygenic society. The knowledge of monitoring practices for safe waste disposal and a mindset to consider waste management as part of the circular economy, not only an end point.

Waste management

The methods, materials and regulations used to collect, transport, treat and dispose of waste. This includes recycling and monitoring of waste disposal.

waste management

Manage effective, healthy processes for safe waste disposal.

The ability to promote policies, activities, and educational programmes that encourage sustainable consumer consumption behaviour. The knowledge of methods for behaviour change in consumers and of the interconnected nature of production supply chains. The mindset to lead the change needed to realise changes in sustainable consumption and production.

Responsible consumption and production

Promote policies, actions and education programmes that encourage healthy lifestyles and proactive participation in sustainable consumption, and that lead to changes in consumers' attitudes, shopping habits and expectations.

promote responsible consumer behaviour

Promoting and integrating responsible, sustainable consumption and production practices.

The ability to apply principles, policies, and regulations towards environmental sustainability. The knowledge and skills to identify and enact methods towards the reduction of waste, energy, and water consumption, the reuse and recycling of products, and the engagement in the sharing economy. The mindset to proactively develop effective policies and implement changes into a circular economy.

Sharing and reusing

Investigate ideas and spot opportunities to improve the collection, process and recycling of waste materials.

identify new recycling opportunities

Apply principles, policies and regulations aimed at environmental sustainability, including the reduction of waste, energy and water consumption, the reuse and recycling of products, and the engagement in the sharing economy.

adopt ways to reduce negative impact of consumption

Identifying and applying policies, regulations, and activities to promote better consumption behaviours and shared economy.

The ability to develop strategies to find solutions to practical, operational or conceptual problems in a wide range of contexts. This includes the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve challenges using critical thinking. The attitude to approach problems with a clear and open mind, break them down into manageable parts, and use a variety of tools and techniques to generate solutions. The awareness to anticipate potential obstacles and adjust approaches as needed.

Problem solving

Find solutions to practical, operational or conceptual problems in a wide range of contexts.

solve problems

Finding solutions to challenges or issues

The ability to utilize creative thinking techniques, brainstorming, and idea generation processes to develop unique solutions to problems or challenges. It involves breaking away from conventional patterns of thought and exploring new possibilities to come up with fresh perspectives and insights.

Generate ideas

create new concepts

Pitch your ideas and concepts to fellow members of the creative team in order to come up with alternatives, solutions and better versions.

brainstorm ideas

Creatively imagine new ideas

The ability to develop ideas or conclusions that lead to the creation and implementation of innovations or changes.

Innovative thinking

Develop ideas or conclusions that lead to the creation and implementation of innovations or changes.

think innovately

Be able to improvise and react immediately and without planning ahead to situations that you did not know before.

improvise

Flexibly develop innovative ideas

The ability to generate original or new ideas or combine existing ones to develop innovative, novel solutions by utilizing divergent thinking techniques and breaking away from conventional patterns of thought. It involves exploring different perspectives, taking risks, embracing ambiguity and uncertainty, and developing unique solutions to problems or challenges.

Creative thinking

Generate new ideas or combine existing ones to develop innovative, novel solutions.

think creatively

Take into account indirect and long-term consequences when planning and making decisions. Consider the effects on other people, processes and the environment and include these in your planning.

think holistically

Generating original and imaginative ideas through non-linear thinking.

The ability to design social areas and public spaces that are  open and inclusive to all. The knowledge of inclusivity and key groups affected. And the ability to plan, develop, and create open spaces in cooperation with communities, clients, and other professionals,

Inclusive public spaces

Design social areas and open spaces working in cooperation with communities, clients and other professionals.

design open spaces

Designing public spaces to be open and inclusive for all.

The ability to develop and implement policies in organizations to promote a positive, inclusive environment with equality of opportunity for all. The knowledge and awareness of the various needs and perspectives of minority groups (ethnicities, genders, religious groups, etc.).

Inclusive policies

Develop and implement plans which aim to create an environment in an organisation which is positive and inclusive of minorities, such as ethnicities, gender identities, and religious minorities.

set inclusive policies

Promote diversity and equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.

promote inclusion in organisations

Developing and implementing policies in organizations to promote inclusivity for genders, ethnicities and minority groups.

The ability to manage projects and programme activities. The knowledge of variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.

Project management

Understand project management and the activities which comprise this area. Know the variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.

project management

Manage projects effectively

The ability to access and analyse digital data and to select and use ICT systems for a variety of complex tasks in order to meet a variety of needs.

ICT systems

Select and use ICT systems for a variety of complex tasks in order to meet a variety of needs.

use ICT systems

Using ICT systems

The ability to show acceptance of others and take on new ideas and experiences. The mindset to be interested and open to the problems of others while being aware and conscious of one's biases and prejudices and actively considering these.

Openness

Be interested and open to the problems of others.

keep an open mind

Willingness to consider new ideas and perspectives.

The ability to accept and respect differences in opinions, beliefs, and behaviors of others who hold different views or come from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Tolerance

Tolerate and work constructively within unexpected and unpredictable situations.

deal with uncertainty

Acceptance of opinions, beliefs, and behaviors of others.

Active listening

Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.

listen actively

Active discussion

Listen carefully to what other people say, patiently understanding points being made, formulating and asking appropriate questions, without interrupting at inappropriate times.

listening and asking questions

The ability to remain involved with one's tasks in spite of fatigue or frustration. The mindset to persevere through challenges or obstacles. The abilty to retain personal values and principles, while balancing new information and perspectives that may confront with those deeply-held values.

Perseverence

Stick to one's tasks in spite of fatigue or frustration.

persist

Continuing effort despite challenges or obstacles

Resilience

Withstand adversity, demonstrate resilience and find ways to resolve or manage the effects of difficult life events.

maintaining a positive attitude

Self-discipline

Skills and competences requiring individuals to understand and control their own capabilities and limitations and use this self-awareness to manage activities in a variety of contexts. They include the ability to act reflectively and responsibly, to accept feedback, adapting to change and to seek opportunities for personal and professional development.

self-management skills and competences

Portuguese

The Portuguese language. Portuguese is an official and working language of the EU.

Polish

The Polish language. Polish is an official and working language of the EU.

German

Irish

The Irish language. Irish is an official and working language of the EU.

Italian

The Italian language. Italian is an official language of the EU.

Danish

The Danish language. Danish is an official and working language of the EU.

Finnish

The Finnish language. Finnish is an official and working language of the EU.

The ability to comprehend, interpret, and draw insights from big data presented in mathematical or quantitative forms. It encompasses various skills such as performing calculations, interpreting graphs and charts, identifying patterns and trends, drawing conclusions, and making informed decisions based on data analysis.

Understanding and analyzing numerical and statistical information

Accurately interpreting numerical and statistical data

The ability to use digital technologies effectively to achieve work objectives. The skills needed for practical, real-life applications across different occupations and educational fields.

Digital competence

Ability to use information and communication technologies effectively to achieve work objectives.

digital competencies

Effective use of digital technologies

The ability to analyse, interpret, compare, and critically evaluate the credibility of (sources of) digital information.

Analysing and evaluating media content

Analyse, compare and critically evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources of data, information and digital content. Analyse, interpret and critically evaluate the data, information and digital content.

evaluate data, information and digital content

Critically assessing and interpreting media materials

Statistical information

Identify statistical pattern

Interpreting numerical and statistical data accurately

Big data

Collect and evaluate numerical data in large quantities, especially for the purpose of identifying patterns between the data.

analyse big data

The ability to provide public sanitation for example clean glass and windows in public areas, dust and polish furniture, vacuum carpets and clean hard floors, and remove waste.

Public areas

Disinfect the areas to which the public has access.

clean public areas

Clean public areas

Knowledge of the the public administration and regulatory aspects of the transportation and infrastructure sectors, and requirements necessary to create policies.

Sustainable transport policies

The public administration and regulatory aspects of the transportation and infrastructure sectors, and requirements necessary to create policies.

transportation sector policies

Creating sustainable transport policies

The ability to develop solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions from transportation.

Low carbon transport

Develop low-carbon options for transportation

The ability to use various methods to analyse green-house gas emissions such as CO2 emissions.

Vehicle footprint

Evaluate the ecological footprint of vehicles and use various methods to analyse green-house gas emissions such as CO2 emissions.

evaluate vehicle ecological footprint

Evaluating the ecological footprint of vehicles.

Effective transport and mobility is an integral part of achieving sustainable development across all scales, from city networks to rurban to national to international networks. Technological innovations are already delivering improvements to transport service delivery, user experience and environmental performance across various transport modes (road-based, rail, aerospace, active travel), but this is only the beginning. The world of transport will transform dramatically over the coming decade as new technology, such as decarbonised power sources, mobile communications, AI and big data radically transform the way that transport outcomes can be delivered.

Transport and Mobility

Seek solutions for achieving sustainable development of the way people and resources move around the world.

The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create and communicate information effectively and responsibly using various forms of media.

Media and information literacy

Media and information literacy skills

Intra-personal skills

The awareness, understanding, and acceptance of one's role and responsibilities as a member of the global community. The recognition that the world is interconnected and interdependent, and that their actions can have an impact not only locally but also globally. This involves knowledge of global issues, such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and human rights, and the ability to critically analyze and understand their causes and consequences. It also involves having a respect for cultural diversity and an ability to communicate and collaborate with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. A global citizen demonstrates a commitment to social and environmental justice, and actively works towards creating positive change both locally and globally.

Global citizenship

Awareness of global interdependence, social responsibility, cultural diversity

The ability to show a positive attitude towards new and challenging demands by learning through various means, such as experience, instruction, observation, or study. It involves the cognitive processes of perception, attention, memory, and problem-solving, as well as the emotional and motivational factors that influence learning.

Ability to learn

Show a positive attitude towards new and challenging demands that can only be met via lifelong learning.

demonstrate willingness to learn

Meet

The ability to process information, ideas and committments and to take into account indirect and long-term consequences when planning and making decisions. Consider the effects on other people, processes and the environment and include these in your planning.

Conscientiousness

Accept responsibility and accountability for one's own professional decisions and actions, or those delegated to others.

assume responsibility

Perform one's tasks in a self-disciplined, reliable and goal-oriented manner.

meet commitments

Assume responsibility and meet commitments

The ability to integrate elements of sustainability and balanced resource consumption in the development of urban infrastructure. This involves the awareness of principles, policies and regulations, knowledge of how to apply them in different contexts, a mindset for sustainable development, and adept ability to maneuver through complex stakeholder dynamics in the context of urbanization.

Sustainable urbanization

Throughout the coordination of an engineering project, promote the development of infrastructure that is innovative and sustainable, in line with the latest developments in the field.

promote design of sustainable infrastructure

Awareness and ability to champion sustainable development in urban infrastructure projects

The ability to develop and apply risk management processes to prevent and respond to disasters and emergencies. The knowledge of potential risks, compliance regulations, and   actions for contingency plans. The proactive attitude to identify risks and develop solutions to protect and reduce negative impact.

Disaster risk reduction

Compose procedures outlining specific actions to be taken in the event of an emergency, taking into account all the risks and dangers that could be involved, ensuring that the plans comply with safety legislation and represent the safest course of action.

develop contingency plans for emergencies

Identify risks and apply a risk management process, e.g. hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP).

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3 learning opportunities