Digital transformation in education: engineering and technology for sustainable entrepreneurship

Abstract

The Strategic Leadership in Green Business (SLGB) project, funded by ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE, aims to create a digital learning ecosystem that fosters the development of entrepreneurs in sustainable businesses. This initiative, supported by universities and organizations from Spain, Sweden, Finland, Ecuador, Colombia, and Argentina, seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional education using advanced computational technology, integrating simulation tools, gamification, and artificial intelligence to provide a more immersive, interactive, and applied learning experience.

This paper describes the ongoing actions in the development of Work Package 4 (WP4) of the project, which constitutes the technological core of SLGB. Its objective is to implement a Learning Management System (LMS) platform, which will not only store academic content but also serve as a digital infrastructure with advanced capabilities for personalization and experimentation. From an engineering perspective, this development seeks to facilitate a modular and scalable architecture, enabling the integration of emerging technologies to enhance learning and sustainable entrepreneurship.

From an engineering standpoint, WP4 aims for the LMS platform to incorporate cutting-edge tools that promote sustainable leadership education and green entrepreneurship. To achieve this, the following technologies have been identified for implementation: Computational Simulation Models: The project envisions the design of virtual environments where students can make business decisions in dynamic sustainability scenarios. These models aim to replicate real market situations, allowing participants to understand the effects of their strategies. Gamification and Challenge-Based Learning: Mechanisms are being developed to encourage active participation, including interactive challenges and immersive case studies where students can solve real problems related to ecological transition. Virtual Incubation Platform: A digital space is being designed where entrepreneurs can develop and validate sustainable business ideas, connecting with experts, investors, and accelerators within a global network.

With the proposed approach, the SLGB project is expected not only to develop an educational platform but also to redefine digital education in sustainable entrepreneurship. The pilot phase aims to train 80 entrepreneurs, who will use the platform to learn, develop, and validate their sustainable projects, accessing advanced digital learning tools and business simulation. Once implemented, the platform will remain available for replication and expansion, allowing many more institutions and students to benefit from this innovative training model, thereby strengthening the green business ecosystem in Latin America and Europe.