These questions are at the core of the Erasmus+ programme-funded project “INTELLIGENT: INnovative TEaching and LearnIng of GENeraTions Z and Alpha in Higher Education” (No. 2024-1-LT01-KA220-HED-000256404), implemented in collaboration with partners from Lithuania, the Netherlands, Latvia, Estonia, Italy, and Portugal.
In 2025, a large-scale international study was carried out, combining quantitative surveys and focus groups involving over 3,000 Generation Z and Alpha students with discussions featuring 127 business representatives across six European countries: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Netherlands, Italy, and Portugal.
The research findings reveal a significant shift in expectations. Students are moving away from purely theoretical learning and increasingly value practical, experience-based education. While digital tools and artificial intelligence are already embedded in their daily lives, the study highlights that their effective integration into teaching remains inconsistent. Interestingly, the research also uncovered regional nuances: while partners in the Southern region (Italy, Portugal) place a high priority on soft skills and emotional development, those in the Western and Baltic regions (the Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) emphasize digital literacy, AI integration, and self-leadership.
Despite these differences, one thing is clear: motivation is strongly linked to personal development and real-world relevance. Students are not just looking for knowledge – they seek to develop competencies that will help them thrive in a dynamic global economy. These insights have formed the foundation for the INTELLIGENT project’s methodology, which was established in 2025 and is currently being refined to ensure that its tools and approaches remain cutting-edge.
Project partners: Vilniaus kolegija/ Higher Education Institution (Lithuania), AVANS University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), RISEBA University of Applied Sciences (Latvia), Estonian Business Applied Sciences University (Estonia), IFOA (Italy), EDUGEP (Portugal).
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor National Agency can be held responsible for them.