DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.24026.1 ISSN: 2732-5121

Institutional development of micro-credentials from policy to sustainability

Ihor Hrynyk, Khrystyna Voitovych, Nataliia Hoivanovych
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The article examines the institutional development of micro-credentials in Ukrainian higher education through the experience of the CRED4TEACH project, with particular attention to the case of Drohobych Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University. The study explores the transition from policy discussions and fragmented pilot initiatives to the practical institutional implementation of micro-credentials. The research focuses on the development of three interconnected institutional documents: the Institutional Framework of Micro-credentials, the Blueprint for the implementation of micro-credentials, and the Sustainability Plan. The study employs a qualitative case study approach based on the analysis of institutional and policy documents developed during project implementation. Particular attention is given to institutional governance mechanisms, policy adaptation, quality assurance, recognition procedures, strategic planning, and the integration of micro-credentials into long-term university development. The findings demonstrate that the implementation of micro-credentials required not only the adaptation of European policy approaches to the Ukrainian higher education context, but also the establishment of internal institutional regulations, governance procedures, quality assurance mechanisms, and sustainability strategies. The article shows how micro-credentials gradually evolved from a largely conceptual and experimental initiative into an integral component of institutional and strategic university development. The study also highlights the role of MOOCs, digital infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning in ensuring the long-term sustainability of micro-credentials within higher education institutions.

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