Summit 2026

About the Conference

9–10 December 2026 The Tides

“The Warsaw Microcredentials Summit 2026: From Vision to Action” is the second edition of an international conference dedicated to microcredentials. Organized by the Educational Research Institute – a state research institute – the event will bring together experts from around the world. Over the course of two days, they will participate in lectures, workshops, and panel discussions on the role of microcredentials in education, public policy, and the labor market, as well as on the quality, standards, and technological solutions related to their issuance.

The conference starts in:

Programme Register

Themes

Thematic sessions

Microcertifications in School Education

This session will focus on the practical use of digital certifications as a tool to support flexible and more personalized education. The central theme will be how micro-credentials can transform schools’ approaches to developing, validating, and demonstrating students’ competencies. Specific tools supporting this process will be discussed, as well as the experiences of countries that are already implementing micro-credentials into their education systems.

Microcertifications in Higher Education

This session will focus on the implementation of microcertifications in higher education and how universities can harness their potential to build a more flexible, accessible, and market-responsive educational offering. The session will feature examples of how micro-credentials are used at universities, as well as projects for systems that not only validate acquired competencies but also become an integral part of a modern higher education ecosystem.

Microcertifications: Technologies and Security

This session will focus on the technologies and tools that enable the creation, issuance, storage, verification, and use of microcertifications. Topics to be discussed include the role of digital wallets, open standards, interoperability, and artificial intelligence in building this ecosystem. Participants will also learn how to build interoperable systems—which are essential for digital credentials to function effectively beyond the boundaries of individual institutions and countries—and will discuss the most common challenges and risks.

Microcredentials in Public Policy

This session will focus on the role of the state in integrating micro-credentials into modern public policy and their potential for building a more flexible, learning, and competent society. The session will analyze the need for new ways to validate qualifications and the role of digital identity in accessing education, employment, and public services. The discussion will also address issues of trust in digital credentials and how to develop public policies that meet the needs of future citizens.

Microcertifications in the Labor Market

This session will focus on the relationship between the microcertification system and the needs of employers, employees, and institutions that develop competencies. Examples of business models used by microcertification issuers will be discussed, along with strategies for their design and implementation. A key focus will be on assessing the role of employers in shaping the range of digital credentials available and their readiness to operate within this system—both from a technological and organizational perspective. There will also be a discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of the labor market and the digital verification of skills.

Microcertifications: Quality and Standards

The aim of this session will be to examine quality standards, the rules for issuing microcertifications, and the mechanisms that build trust in them among learners, employers, and institutions. The session will discuss experiences related to the development of the National Microcertification System in Poland and the conclusions drawn from them. Special attention will be given to accreditation models for digital credential issuers and the concept of a training course preparing institutions to fulfill this role. Participants will also learn about solutions used in other countries—ranging from quality assurance models to standards and recognition mechanisms.

Voices

Speakers

Find out more
AC
Agnieszka Chłoń-Domińczak
Professor
SGH / ERI NRI
TC
Tim Couper
Advisor
Digital Credentials
HD
Horacy Dębowski
Expert
ERI NRI
GF
Gill Ferrell
Executive Director
1EdTech Europe
MJ
Maciej Jakubowski
Director
ERI NRI
SK
Shizuka Kato
Analyst
OECD
MN
Michał Nowakowski
Deputy Director
ERI NRI
WP
Wendy Palmer
Founder
Lifelong Learning Practice
AP
Anastasia Pouliou
Expert in qualifications and credentials
Cedefop
SR
Simone Ravaioli
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Parchment / Credentials
SR
Serge Ravet
Founder
Reconnaître
WS
Wojciech Stęchły
Expert
ERI NRI

Agenda

Programme

  1. 09:00 – 10:00
    Registration and welcome coffee
    Main hall
  2. 10:00 – 11:30
    Summit opening
    Main hall
  3. 11:30 – 12:00
    Coffee break
    Main hall
  4. 12:00 – 13:30
    Microcertifications in School Education
    Panel room 1
    12:00 – 13:30
    Microcertifications in Higher Education
    Panel room 2
    12:00 – 13:30
    Microcertifications: Technologies and Security
    Panel room 3
  5. 13:30 – 14:30
    Lunch
    Main hall
  6. 14:30 – 16:00
    School education — workshop and panel
    Panel room 1
    14:30 – 16:00
    Higher education — workshop and panel
    Panel room 2
    14:30 – 16:00
    Technologies and security — workshop and panel
    Panel room 3

Registration

How would you like to participate?

Participation is free of charge. The organiser does not cover travel or accommodation costs.

If you have any problems with the form, please contact: microcredentials@twoj-event.online

Contact

Location

The Tides
8 Wioślarska St.
Warsaw

Organiser

Educational Research Institute — National Research Institute
microcredentials@twoj-event.online