From 8 to 12 June 2026, the partners of the D-GREEN – Digital Sustainability for SMEs project gathered in Karlskrona, Sweden, for a week of collaborative activities hosted by Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH). The programme combined the project’s Transnational Training Course with the Second Transnational Project Meeting (TPM), providing an opportunity to strengthen both the consortium’s technical knowledge and the development of the project’s key results.

Building a common understanding of sustainable ICT

The training programme was designed to provide partners with a shared methodological framework on sustainability and its application to information and communication technologies (ICT). Throughout three days, participants explored the principles of sustainable development and their relevance for digital technologies through a combination of expert presentations, discussions and practical activities.

The programme introduced the concepts of ICT for Sustainability and Sustainable ICT, highlighting how digital technologies can both contribute to sustainability objectives and generate environmental impacts that need to be addressed. Participants also examined the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD), presented by researchers from Blekinge Institute of Technology, gaining insight into systems thinking and strategic approaches for sustainability planning.

Interactive sessions enabled partners to apply sustainability principles to ICT-related case studies and to experiment with the ABCD strategic planning methodology, encouraging reflection on how these approaches can be integrated into the educational resources being developed within the project. The programme also addressed the social dimension of sustainability, reinforcing the importance of considering environmental, economic and social perspectives when supporting SMEs in their digital transition.

Advancing the project's core results

Alongside the training activities, partners held the Second Transnational Project Meeting, reviewing the progress achieved during the first months of implementation and coordinating the next development phases.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the D-GREEN Handbook, discussing the current state of development and the finalisation of its structure and content. Partners also reviewed the design of the MOOC Training Programme, the production process for the online learning materials, and the development of the D-GREEN Assessment Tool, which will enable SMEs to evaluate and improve the sustainability of their ICT practices.

The consortium further addressed communication and dissemination activities, quality assurance procedures, project management, and the coordination of upcoming tasks to ensure consistency across all project outputs.

Looking ahead

The meeting in Karlskrona represented an important milestone for the D-GREEN partnership. By combining technical training with project coordination, partners strengthened their shared understanding of sustainable ICT while ensuring continued alignment in the development of the project’s educational resources.

Over the coming months, the consortium will continue working on the D-GREEN Handbook, the MOOC, the Assessment Tool, and the accompanying training resources, supporting VET professionals and SMEs in adopting more sustainable and responsible ICT practices.

To stay updated on the project’s progress and upcoming activities, visit www.d-green.eu.