Abstract:

The rapid pace of technological evolution creates a constant need for the development of new competences by professionals of all sectors. Consequently, this need affects the composition of existing roles and occupational profiles, which must be updated to include the new competences. To this end, the DAISSy Research Group of Hellenic Open University has developed a methodology that starts from initial needs assessment and stakeholder analysis to arrive at the design of new competences and frameworks and the development of content, courses and tools. By combining expert knowledge with user engagement and aiming at real-world application, this methodology ensures that its outcomes are both practical and scalable within the sector concerned. The DAISSy Competence Development methodology contains the following stages: Assessment of sectoral needs, Identification of competences, Design and validation of competence framework, Design or update of job and role profiles, Development of self-assessment tools indicating competence level, Creation of Open Educational Resources (OERs), Design and delivery of competence development training programs, Evaluation and iterative refinement, Ιmpact assessment. The methodology has been applied, refined and validated in several European researcch projects.

In this paper, we shall present the DAISSy Competence Development methodology and showcase its application towards the design of new occupational roles or profiles in the following sectors:
- STEAM education: competence frameworks and assorted new occupational profiles have been developed for STEAM Educators and for Inclusive STEAM Educators
- Smart City professionals: based on a thorough analysis of competence gaps, the following new occupational profiles have been designed: Smart City Planner, Smart City IT Manager, Smart City IT Officer, Smart City Resilience Officer, Smart City Open Data Officer
- Tourism professionals: addresses different aspects of involved professionals, such as Destination Management, Inclusive Tourism, Cultural Heritage, Museums

In all case, these profiles are complemented with digital training offers (curricula, MOOCs, blended courses etc.), which enable professionals to develop the necessary competences.

Keywords:

Professional development, competences, occupational profiles, digital training.