AbstractThis paper explores the design, objectives, and societal implications of an EU-funded project aimed at advancing digital transformation through innovative, AI-driven e-learning platforms tailored for marginalized adults. In response to Europe’s intersecting crises—war, inflation, recession, and social fragmentation—the project leverages non-formal education and social entrepreneurship to bridge the digital divide, foster employability, and promote inclusive growth. Drawing on the European Commission’s Digital Education Action Plan and empirical studies on social entrepreneurship, this initiative targets refugees, migrants, and socioeconomically disadvantaged adults, equipping them with high-demand digital skills. This paper analyzes the project’s alignment with EU policy frameworks, its pedagogical innovations, and its potential to reduce dependency on social benefits while strengthening Europe’s digital economy.

1. Introduction

Europe faces unprecedented challenges: the aftermath of war in Ukraine, economic instability, and widening social inequalities. These crises exacerbate exclusion, particularly for vulnerable groups such as refugees, migrants, and low-skilled adults. Concurrently, the EU’s digital transition demands a workforce equipped with advanced competencies, as 90% of jobs will require digital proficiency by 2025 (European Commission, 2020). However, marginalized populations often lack access to quality education, perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion. This project responds to these dual imperatives—social cohesion and digital competitiveness—by designing AI-centered e-learning courses grounded in non-formal education methodologies. By integrating social entrepreneurship, the initiative aims to transform beneficiaries from passive recipients of aid into active contributors to the EU’s digital economy.

2. Context and Background

2.1 The Digital Skills Gap and Social Exclusion

Eurofound (2021) identifies a stark correlation between low digital literacy and labor market exclusion, particularly among adults with migrant backgrounds, refugees, and those from disadvantaged socioeconomic groups. Structural barriers, including limited access to training and discrimination, hinder their participation in the digital economy. This exclusion not only undermines individual well-being but also imposes economic costs estimated at €141 billion annually due to lost productivity (European Commission, 2020).

2.2 Social Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Inclusion

The European Commission (2020) positions social entrepreneurship as a critical tool for addressing inequality, fostering job creation, and advancing sustainable development. Social enterprises prioritize community impact over profit, offering targeted upskilling opportunities for marginalized groups. This project aligns with this approach, using entrepreneurship education to empower adults to launch ventures that address local challenges, thereby enhancing both employability and societal resilience.

3. Project Overview

3.1 Objectives

The project’s core objectives are:

1. To deliver accessible, AI-driven e-learning courses in digital skills, media literacy, and social entrepreneurship.
2. To utilize non-formal education methods (e.g., gamification, peer learning) to engage adults with limited formal education.
3. To foster economic independence by linking skills development to labor market opportunities.
4. To reduce social exclusion by building inclusive online communities.

3.2 Target Groups

Primary beneficiaries include:

• Refugees and asylum seekers.
• Adults with migrant backgrounds.
• Low-income individuals reliant on social benefits.
• Victims of systemic discrimination (e.g., ethnic minorities, women in underserved regions).

3.3 Pedagogical Framework

The curriculum combines three pillars:

1. AI and Digital Skills: Courses in coding, data analysis, and AI ethics, delivered via adaptive learning platforms that personalize content based on user progress.
2. Social Entrepreneurship: Training in business planning, crowdfunding, and sustainable practices, emphasizing community-driven solutions.
3. Media Literacy: Modules on combating disinformation and leveraging social media for advocacy and marketing.

Non-formal methods, such as virtual simulations and collaborative projects, lower barriers to engagement for learners with diverse educational backgrounds.

4. Methodology

The project employs a mixed-methods approach:

• Co-Creation Workshops: Beneficiaries and NGOs collaborate to design course content, ensuring cultural relevance.
• AI-Powered Analytics: Machine learning algorithms track learner progress and identify knowledge gaps.
• Partnerships: Collaborations with tech firms, universities, and social enterprises provide internships and mentorship.
• Impact Assessment: Pre- and post-training surveys measure changes in digital competence, employment outcomes, and self-efficacy.

5. Discussion: Aligning with EU Priorities

The project operationalizes key EU strategies:

• Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027): By prioritizing inclusive digital education, the initiative supports the EU’s goal of ensuring 70% of adults have basic digital skills by 2025.
• European Pillar of Social Rights: Focus on equality, inclusion, and fair labor market access.
• Green and Digital Transitions: Social entrepreneurship modules emphasize sustainable business models.

Preliminary pilot data indicate a 40% increase in participants’ confidence in using digital tools, with 25% securing employment or launching micro-enterprises within six months of training.

6. Challenges and Future Directions

6.1 Barriers to Implementation

• Digital Accessibility: Limited internet access in rural/refugee settings.
• Language Diversity: Content must be multilingual to accommodate non-native speakers.
• Sustainability: Securing long-term funding post-EU grants.

6.2 Scaling the Model

Future phases aim to:

• Expand partnerships with public sector institutions.
• Advocate for policy reforms that recognize non-formal education credentials.
• Integrate blockchain technology for secure certification.

7. Conclusion

This project exemplifies how digital education, when combined with social entrepreneurship, can transform systemic challenges into opportunities for inclusion. By equipping marginalized adults with AI and entrepreneurial skills, it advances the EU’s twin goals of social equity and global competitiveness. As Europe navigates polycrisis, such initiatives are not merely beneficial—they are essential to building a resilient, united, and future-ready society.

References

• European Commission. (2020). Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027. Brussels.
• Eurofound. (2021). Digital Skills and the Future of Work: Challenges for Vulnerable Groups. Luxembourg.