SMARTER – Experiential Learning Tools to Obtain SMART Supply Chain Competences: Fostering Digital Maturity and Transversal Skills through International University-Industry Collaboration

Author : "Marijana Blazic, Lahorka Halmi "

Abstract : Digital transformation and the development of transversal skills are key priorities in preparing higher education graduates for careers in global supply chains. The Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership SMARTER (Experiential Learning Tools to Obtain SMART Supply Chain Competences, 2022-2025) brings together seven universities and two business-development organisations from Finland, Ireland, Spain, Austria, Croatia, Romania and Argentina to build a shared experiential learning toolbox for smart supply chain management. The project rests on three pillars: a digital maturity gap analysis of rural enterprises, the development of learning material for the material, money and information flows within the supply chain, and an international, multidisciplinary Student Challenge connecting students, educators and businesses. Through simulations, serious gaming, blockchain-based smart contract simulation and collaborative fieldwork, students acquire both technical knowledge and transversal competences such as intercultural communication, problem solving and teamwork, following the principle of Internationalisation at Home. As Karlovac University of Applied Sciences (KUAS) is responsible for project dissemination and actively participates in the Student Challenge and the digital maturity research, this paper presents the project design, methodology, expected results and their relevance for rural entrepreneurs and higher education curricula across Europe and Latin America

Keywords : Digital transformation, smart supply chains, experiential learning, transversal skills, higher education

Conference Name : International Conference on Blockchain Applications in Supply Chain (ICBASC-26)

Conference Place : Rome, Italy

Conference Date : 22nd Aug 2026