Open education for sustainability: crossing disciplinary borders through thematic learning
ENThis paper explores the evolving role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in advancing the transition to a green economy (GE) through the development of green skills. It highlights the importance of having a clear and unified approach to sustainability and outlines three key strategies to encourage sustainable growth at a broader economic level. The study emphasises how essential HEIs are in preparing future professionals for this green transition and points out the rising demand for green economy practices within educational settings. By employing a dual methodology—comprising a scoping review and an analysis of course offerings from top EU universities recognised for sustainability—this research aims to broaden the understanding of green skills and their place within higher education curricula. To achieve its goals, the study uses a combination of methods: a scoping review and an analysis of courses offered by leading EU universities known for their commitment to sustainability. Through this approach, the study aims to deepen our understanding of green skills and explore how they can be effectively integrated into higher education curricula. The scoping review reveals that green skills encompass a variety of areas, including technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and interdisciplinary abilities. Still, it also highlights some gaps in how these skills are integrated into current programs. While the findings show that some promising initiatives are underway, many challenges still exist in effectively incorporating green education into academic programs and institutional policies. This study emphasises the importance of developing robust and adaptable higher education systems that are well-equipped to address environmental and socio-economic challenges. It calls for more research into educational practices that can help develop well-rounded green competencies among society. Keywords: Green economy, green skills, open education.
