Digital4Security Consortium Gathers in Dubrovnik for Key Project Milestone

This week, the Digital4Security consortium convened in the historic city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, for a pivotal two-day meeting. Hosted at the Centre for Advanced Academic Studies (CAAS), this gathering brought together consortium partners, work package leaders, and representatives from the European Commission to review progress and plan the next phase of the project.

Digital4Security Dubrovnik meeting

The meeting opened on Monday, 28 April, with a series of focused topical discussions. Partners reviewed the structure and delivery strategy of the Digital4Security Master’s programme, exploring the different formats on offer, including microcredentials, a 60 ECTS online programme, and a 120 ECTS hybrid programme. Accreditation strategies were also examined, with discussions centring on delivering officially recognised diplomas and certificates across Europe.

Participants were treated to a live demonstration of the Digital4Security digital platform, led by Matrix, showcasing the technological foundation supporting the programme’s innovative learning environment. Later sessions highlighted engagement with industry partners, sustainability planning for the Master’s programme, and strategies for promotion. As the day concluded, preparations were finalised for the formal EU project review to be held the following day.

On Tuesday, 29 April, attention turned towards project evaluation and technical review. The day began with introductions from all participants, followed by an address from the European Commission Project Officer. Ciprian Dobre from POLITEHNICA Bucharest provided a technical overview, outlining achievements to date, challenges encountered, and future planning.

Each Work Package leader then presented updates, covering a wide range of topics: from project management and partnership coordination (WP1), through programme design and development (WP2 and WP3), to piloting activities and student engagement initiatives (WP4). Communications efforts were highlighted under WP5, with a focus on dissemination activities, branding, digital marketing, and collaboration with the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform. Finally, long-term sustainability strategies under WP6 were discussed, emphasising the goal of ensuring the Master’s programme continues to thrive beyond the project’s lifetime.

The event closed with feedback sessions, discussions on policy alignment, and practical guidance for the upcoming Periodic Report submission. Throughout the two days, the atmosphere was one of collaboration, shared commitment, and optimism for the future of the Digital4Security programme.

The Dubrovnik meeting marked a significant milestone in the project’s journey, reinforcing the consortium’s dedication to building a sustainable, accredited cybersecurity education programme that addresses the critical digital skills gaps across Europe.