Micro-credentials and Digital Identity Wallets
Coach Name
Jordi Bosch i Garcia
EU Organization
3CL Foundation (Malta)
Members
- Prof. Alex Grech
- Klaudia G. Farkas
CA Organization
Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada
Members
- Dr Jako Olivier
- Dr Balaji Venkataraman
Project Overview
The MC-DIW project investigates how micro-credentials from the European Union and British Columbia (BC) can become interoperable through digital identity wallets. The goal was to explore whether the BC Wallet and the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW) could reliably exchange verified learning credentials across borders.
The project conducted extensive desk-based research, analysed trust frameworks (EUROPEUM EDIC/EBSI, eIDAS, PCTF, BCDTS), and engaged with policymakers, educators, employers, and technology experts from the EU and Canada. Through 15 expert interviews, virtual workshops, and comparative analysis, MC-DIW identified technical, legal, semantic, and governance challenges to interoperability and produced a set of 12 policy and regulatory recommendations to advance cross-border recognition of skills.
This research supports labour mobility, lifelong learning, and user-centric digital identity solutions, helping individuals have their micro-credentials recognised regardless of geographic boundaries.
Methods and approaches
Comparative Research Across Trust, Technical & Legal Frameworks
The team conducted in-depth analysis of micro-credential systems, digital identity wallets, verification models, and trust frameworks in the EU and British Columbia. This included a review of EUDIW, BC Wallet, EUROPEUM-EDIC, BCDTS, PCTF, and eIDAS to identify alignment opportunities and barriers.
Stakeholder-Driven, User-Centric Methodology
Through 15 structured interviews, virtual workshops, and continuous engagement with experts, the project incorporated human-centred insights on usability, privacy, governance, and real-world needs. This approach ensured recommendations were grounded in the expectations of learners, institutions, and employers.
Key Achievements
Conducted 15 expert interviews across policy, education, technology, and industry.
Produced 12 detailed recommendations for technical, legal, semantic, governance and user-experience alignment.
Completed a comparative analysis of major trust frameworks (EUROPEUM EDIC/EBSI, eIDAS, BCDTS, PCTF).
Documented 13 security, privacy, and UX issues, covering encryption, authentication, SSI models, consent mechanisms, and cross-border verification.
Delivered a feasibility analysis and interoperability roadmap for BC Wallet ↔ EUDIW micro-credential exchange.
Strengthened the strategic EU–Canada collaboration between 3CL and the Commonwealth of Learning, setting the stage for future joint initiatives.
Released public communication outputs:
- Video: https://youtu.be/MGD9E66rNKE
- Blog post: https://www.3cl.org/interoperability-of-micro-credentials-in-the-eu-and-british-columbia/
- LinkedIn dissemination posts.
Impact & Results
Scientific Impact
MC-DIW advances understanding of micro-credential interoperability, trust frameworks, semantic standards, and the role of digital identity wallets in cross-border credential exchange.
Industrial Impact
The findings encourage innovation in digital identity systems and set benchmarks for user-centric, privacy-preserving credential platforms.
Economic Impact
By facilitating recognition of skills across regions, the project supports labour mobility, improves workforce adaptability, and strengthens markets for digital identity and credentialing technologies.
Social Impact
Interoperable micro-credentials empower learners to carry verifiable achievements across borders, enabling upskilling, reskilling, and better access to education and employment.
Strategic
The project reinforces a long-standing partnership between 3CL and COL, laying groundwork for future co-funded ventures and shared digital credentialing initiatives.
Publications and Open-Source Contributions
Future directions