Online | 27–28 March 2025
The European Academy hosted a two-day training event aimed at empowering professionals engaged in EU-funded projects through the application of the PM² methodology and the integration of sustainability principles into project delivery. The session also marked a key opportunity to introduce the Erasmus+ project SPM² – Sustainable Project Management through PM², and to collect firsthand input on emerging needs for micro-credentials in sustainability.
A Dual-Focus Event: Methodology + Innovation
Structured in two parts, the event combined practical training on the PM² methodology with a dynamic stakeholder engagement session that explored how sustainabiity principles can be operationalized within project management processes. Participants had the opportunity to explore how sustainability criteria affect project planning, execution, and long-term impact.
A highlight of the program was the guest session by Prof. Dr. Danijela Ćirić Lalić (University of Novi Sad), who presented empirical findings on sustainability-related competence gaps in project management and moderated a real-time Slido-based feedback session with participants.
📊 What Do Stakeholders Want?
The live polls conducted during the event offered valuable insight into the current expectations of project professionals:
- Top Competencies Needed: Stakeholders emphasized the importance of strategic thinking, planning, empathy, systems thinking, communication, and sustainability awareness.
- Value of Certification: A 3.9/5 average rating for a proposed PM²-based sustainability micro-credential reflects strong interest in future certification pathways.
- Learning Preferences: The majority favored self-paced online learning, followed by blended formats—a clear signal to design flexible, modular training experiences.
A Truly European Audience
The event welcomed 11 participants from 7 countries, representing higher education institutions, public administration bodies, research centers, and healthcare organizations. Countries included Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the UK, and others. Participants ranged from early-stage researchers to senior project administrators, all actively engaged in EU project implementation.
Moving Forward
The event confirmed a clear demand for sustainability-integrated project management skills and validated the potential of micro-credentialing as a mechanism to support workforce development. The level of engagement and feedback demonstrated the relevance of the SPM² initiative to diverse institutional contexts across Europe.
The session also marked a pivotal moment for SPM² visibility, showcasing the project’s applied value, academic foundation, and stakeholder-driven approach.
SPM² continues to pave the way for a future where project management not only delivers results, but drives sustainability.
