Strategic European Design Training Programme
The Strategic European Design training programme has been successfully completed. The 4-week programme, implemented by the Academy of Entrepreneurship in collaboration with PRISM Impresa Sociale, provided a structured introduction to EU project design, combining practical skills development with academic recognition.
A total of 24 learners participated in the first cycle, engaging in an intensive and structured journey that introduced them to the full process of designing European-funded projects from understanding the funding landscape to developing complete proposals.
The programme was designed as a step-by-step learning pathway, enabling participants to gradually build a practical understanding of EU project design and funding.
Throughout the four weeks, learners developed key competences, including:
- identifying and analysing relevant EU calls for proposals
- understanding and applying project logic and needs-based design
- structuring a complete project proposal aligned with EU priorities
- developing and using a Logical Framework (logframe)
- aligning project ideas with evaluation criteria and expected impacts
- preparing a budget in line with eligibility rules
Beyond technical skills, the programme placed strong emphasis on strategic thinking, helping participants move from simply “writing proposals” to designing projects that respond to real needs and can be effectively funded.
From Learning Experience to Certification
The learning experience combined weekly self-paced study with live sessions every Friday, where participants had the opportunity to discuss concepts directly with the trainer, ask questions, and connect theory with practice. The programme also included an additional session at the end, dedicated to open discussion and further clarification, allowing participants to consolidate their understanding.
The training was delivered by Alessandro Melillo, a senior expert with nearly 20 years of experience in EU-funded programmes, project design, and management. Through his approach, participants were exposed to the realities of how projects are actually evaluated and implemented, gaining insights that go beyond theoretical frameworks and reflect real-world practice.
An important dimension of the programme was the connection between applied training and academic recognition. Upon completion, participants received a University Certificate from IUL University, corresponding to 1 CFU / ECTS-equivalent credit in the field of Economics of Institutions and Organisations. This element strengthened the overall value of the programme, linking non-formal education with the academic environment and supporting participants in further developing their professional profiles.
Learners’ feedback
Feedback from participants highlighted the importance of a structured yet practical approach to learning EU project design. The combination of clear methodology, guided learning, and real examples helped them better understand not only the technical aspects of proposal writing, but also the reasoning behind successful projects — particularly the importance of aligning project ideas with real needs and clearly defined objectives.
The first edition of Strategic European Design confirmed the demand for training programmes that move beyond theory and provide a comprehensive, practice-oriented introduction to EU project development. It also reinforced the value of collaboration between organisations with complementary expertise, bringing together academic structure and hands-on experience.
The completion of the first cycle marks an important step for the Strategic European Design programme, with the next edition already in preparation.
A second cycle of the training programme is expected to be announced soon, stay tuned for upcoming updates.