We are proud to announce that EIT Culture & Creativity has been awarded the EIT Label for Non-Degree Education.
The EIT Label is a European quality seal granted by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) to educational programmes that meet rigorous standards of relevance, coherence and impact. It signals that learning pathways are future-focused, strategically aligned and designed to empower learners to drive innovation and societal impact across sectors.
The award recognises the excellence of EIT Culture & Creativity's Educational Framework and Quality Management System for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses, and enables EIT Culture & Creativity to include validated CPD courses in its labelled portfolio, strengthening professional upskilling across Europe at a time of rapid technological and societal transformation.
Delivering impact through partnership and inclusion
The newly labelled framework reflects EIT Culture & Creativity’s commitment to core EIT principles: innovation, entrepreneurial learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and ecosystem integration.
In 2025, up to €150,000 was allocated per project to co-fund the development of EIT-Labelled CPD courses through a competitive Open Call process. Twenty-one European partners are contributing to these courses, 71 % of which are based in EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries, widening access and opportunity across the continent. More than 20 % of participating organisations are recognised Higher Education Institutions, ensuring a blend of academic excellence and practice-driven relevance.
This inclusive, pan-European approach supports the creation of resilient jobs and reinforces the innovation capacity of the CCSI ecosystem.
The 2025 labelled portfolio
In autumn 2025, eight CPD courses were validated by an independent external panel and integrated into the EIT Culture & Creativity portfolio. By year’s end, more than 450 CCSI professionals had graduated from these courses, with 75 % coming from RIS countries.
The portfolio spans a spectrum of learner needs, from early-career creatives to established professionals. Courses integrate entrepreneurial competencies, digital and sustainable transitions, and real-world practice-based outputs, forming a coordinated upskilling ecosystem rather than isolated trainings.
Discover the current portfolio of EIT-Labelled CPD courses on the EIT Culture & Creativity website: EIT Labelled courses Portfolio | EIT Culture & Creativity
Looking ahead
To be awarded the EIT Label, CPD courses must demonstrate alignment with the Educational Framework, articulate clear learning outcomes, integrate EIT principles, and address defined market needs. Future accreditation windows will open regularly, offering further opportunities for educational providers to contribute to the labelled portfolio.
EIT Culture & Creativity continues to develop interoperable credentials that support mobility, recognition and employability across Europe’s creative economy.
The award of the EIT Label for Non-Degree Education marks an important step in strengthening professional learning within the CCSIs. It reinforces trust, transparency and quality in non-degree education and positions EIT Culture & Creativity at the forefront of strategic upskilling for a competitive, resilient and inclusive European creative ecosystem.