The Digital Literacy and Social Inclusion Hub (CIAC_PLDSI-IPSantarem) is an innovative hub that integrates three key areas: digital literacy, social inclusion and digital communication.
Guiding Principles:
Align with national and regional research and innovation strategies
Promote the digital transition and social innovation
Respond to inclusion and diversity needs
Strengthen links between higher education institutions, companies and society
The Hub collaborates with international research centers, focusing on the development of scientific and technological knowledge in the areas of digital literacy and the inclusion of disadvantaged individuals in the labor market.
Doctoral Vision
The vision of the PhD program associated with the Hub is to create a future where digital communication and training empower all individuals and communities to participate fully in a connected and inclusive world. The main objectives include:
Advancing research and innovation in accessible digital tools
Building a global community for change
Employing innovative teaching methodologies
Promoting open access to research and educational resources
Ambition
The Hub’s ambition is to become a leading global center for research and education in digital communication, training and inclusion. It aims to:
Set new standards in digital solutions for social and economic inclusion
Redefine the field of digital communication and inclusion
Create a distinctive culture of competence, collaboration and resilience
Transform the way organizations, industries and communities implement innovation
Through this comprehensive approach, the Digital Literacy and Social Inclusion Hub aims to create a significant impact in promoting a more inclusive and equitable digital society. It integrates innovation practices through:
Alignment with regional strategies: The programme is aligned with CCDR Alentejo’s Regional Strategy for Intelligent Specialization (EREI), which focuses on social innovation and citizenship, providing a solid basis for integrating social innovation practices
Active student participation: The program encourages the active participation of students in social innovation practices, promoting a dynamic learning environment
Focus on social challenges: The research conducted by the Hub addresses social challenges in the areas of digital literacy and the integration of disadvantaged individuals into the labor market.
International collaboration: The Hub collaborates with international research centers, including the Center for Social Innovation (CSI) in Cyprus, enabling the exchange of knowledge and innovative practices
Development of holistic models: The program aims to develop a prototype holistic support model, incorporating innovative practices, resources and methodologies in the digital domain, designed for disadvantaged individuals and replicable globally
These approaches ensure that the Hub not only keeps pace with technological developments, but also responds proactively to the needs of inclusion and diversity, promoting social innovation as an integral part of the students’ training.
International research centers:
The Hub works closely with four international research and development centers
Center for Social Innovation (CSI) in Cyprus
Research Group on Images, Words, and Ideas (GIPI) in Spain
Research Group in Language Studies, Libras, Special Education, Distance Education, and Technologies (GPELET) in Brazil
Native Scientists in London, UK
Academic networks: The Pole strengthens its international presence through collaborative networks, with an emphasis on IberoAmerican_METARED and the Rede Académica Internacional Lusófona (RIAL)
Diversified partnerships: The Research Center integrates international partners from various sectors, including academia, companies, research centers and NGOs
Hosting researchers: The Pole aims to host at least two postgraduate or 2nd cycle students, national or foreign, every year, reinforcing its role as a national research center.
International project management: Students involved in project management collaborate in disseminating the results of projects developed at the unit, including international projects.
These international collaborations aim to significantly increase the Hub’s social, educational, technological and R&D impact, as well as contributing to political change at a global level.