RAY DIGI » Research project on the role of digitalisation in youth work and non-formal learning in the context of the European youth programmes

>> Started in 2021

This research project explores the dimensions of digitalisation, document the progress of digitalisation in the European youth programmes, and develop recommendations to strengthen and support digital dimensions in youth work.

RAY DIGI looks into digitalisation systematically and analyse where and how the gap between digitalisation and youth work can be reduced, starting with the context of the European youth programmes. The project is implemented in close co-operation with the strategic co-operation project (SNAC) on Digital Youth Work of Erasmus+ Youth NAs.

Aims & Objectives

This research project aims to explore dimensions of digitalisation in the European youth programmes, to identify good practices and develop recommendations to strengthen and support the digital dimension in youth work (RAY-DIGI).

Within the second research cycle of RAY DIGI, we will …

  • identify, explore, and analyse strategic approaches to the digital transformation of youth work organisations.
  • develop recommendations for the development and implementation of digital strategies for youth work organisations.
  • build a foundation to understanding and assessing the state of the digital transformation of the European youth field.
  • analyse the contribution and role of the European youth programmes with regard to the digital transformation of youth work organisations.
  • explore the effects of European and national strategies on the digital transformation of youth work organisations.
  • develop recommendations on how to better align European and national strategies with the needs and realities of youth work organisations.
  • develop recommendations for youth work organisations to better align with European and national strategies.

Research Questions

The core research questions of the project are:

  • What is the state of digital transformation in European youth work?
  • How can youth work organisations be supported to develop strategic approachesto digital transformation?
  • What is the contribution and role of the European Youth Programmes in the digital transformation of youth organisations?
  • How can European and national strategies be better aligned with the needs and realities of youth work organisations?
  • How can youth work organisations better align with European and national strategies?

Module 1: Literature review on the digital transformation of youth and civil society organisations

We will carry out a review and analysis of relevant literature on the digital readiness and the digital transformation of youth work and civil society organisations in Europe.

Module 2: BEST PRACTICE CASE STUDIES ON DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The case studies on successful approaches to digital transformation in youth work organisations will consist of a) desk research on explicit and implicit digital strategies  and successful practices within youth work organisations and b) focus groups with staff and volunteers in strategic positions. The focus groups will explore 1) the design and implementation of digital strategies for youth work organisations, 2) goals, visions, and attitudes towards digital transformation in youth work, 3) the alignment of European, national, and organisational strategies, 4) youth work’s role within and contribution to national and European digital education ecosystems, 5) the role and contribution of the European youth programmes to the digital transformation of youth work organisations, 6) needs of European youth work organisations with regards to digital transformation.

Module 3: SURVEY ON DIGITAL READINESS OF YOUTH WORK ORGANISATIONS

The survey on digital readiness of European youth work organisations will aim at assessing the state of the digital transformation of youth work organisations. It will address organisational strategies, goals, resources, infrastructures and needs. A special focus will be on non-formal digital youth work offers.

Module 4: ANALYSIS OF EUROPEAN YOUTH PROGRAMMES’ CONTRIBUTION TO DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF YOUTH WORK ORGANISATIONS

Based on the data collected in this project and the monitoring surveys (RAY MON and RAY SOC), the contribution of Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps to the digital transformation of European youth work will be analysed and assessed.

Module 5: STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS ON DIGITAL STRATEGIES IN EUROPEAN YOUTH WORK

Key stakeholders of the European youth programmes (European Commission, national agencies and national ministries) will be interviewed on the design, understanding, implementation and effect of relevant strategies. A special focus will be on the programme priority Digital Transformation within Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps, the European Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027  and relevant national youth strategies. These interviews will also explore the effect, synergies and dysergies of European and national strategies relevant for the digital transformation of youth work organisations.

 

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