The Development Approach of Circular Bio-Economy Micro-Credential Programme in Higher Education Institution

Background. The growing demand for future skills presents significant challenges for universi-ties in curriculum development. This paper focuses on competence development through interdis-ciplinary learning practices, exemplified by micro-credential programme development in higher education institution. Methods. Curriculum development is conceptualised as a dynamic, learn-ing-by-doing process influenced by future skills screening, innovation partnerships, and engage-ment with potential learners. A central component of the paper involves the co-design process of a micro-credential programme, co-implemented with students and facilitators in 2023. This ap-proach was embedded within the interdisciplinary framework of the LIFE project, an interdisci-plinary course of Tallinn University. Both individual and organisational learning curves are ex-plored through a dedicated transformational model of capacity building. Results. Students from various disciplines collaborated with faculty members to address complex, interdisciplinary challenges, serving as an effective platform for testing and applying innovative educational prac-tices. The capacity building model was applied as a tool for co-designing learning practice about circular bioeconomy programme. The transformational gains of students but also university fa-cilitators were validated within pre-defined tensions. Conclusions. In result, the educational transformation for capacity building took place in practice and was observed according to the four distinctive transformational model components on the level of individuals and the institu-tion.