This publication sets out a series of recommendations to help policymakers make effective use of digital data in education. It is an output of the Agile EDU project, which brings together a diverse consortium of public authorities, universities, and civil society organisations across Europe. The project aims to support inclusive and high-quality digital education aligned with the European Commission's Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027.

 

Agile EDU is a three-year initiative (2022–2025) comprising six partners: European Schoolnet (coordinator), University College Copenhagen (Denmark), University of Oslo (Norway), Portuguese Ministry of Education (Portugal), Foundation Empieza por Educar (Spain), and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (Sweden). In addition, there are four associate partners: the Swedish National Agency for Education, the Finnish National Agency for Education, and the French and Slovenian Ministries of Education.

 

The recommendations emerge from a range of project activities, including literature reviews, case studies, learning stories, expert workshops, and structured stakeholder dialogues at national and European levels. They are grouped into five thematic areas:

 

1. Strategic planning and governance & digital data ecosystem development

Recommendations in this area emphasise the need for coherent digital strategies and robust governance frameworks at national and European levels. They call for standardised practices in data collection, management, and protection, aligned with the GDPR and the AI Act. Actions include developing strategic frameworks, fostering innovation, and ensuring equitable access to digital education through coordinated efforts across governance levels.

 

2. Collaboration and data culture

Fostering a collaborative data culture within and across educational institutions is essential for the purposeful use of data. Recommendations highlight the importance of multi-level stakeholder engagement, unified platforms, and shared responsibilities. Establishing data teams, interdisciplinary partnerships, and teacher–student collaboration can create a supportive environment for data-informed decision-making.

 

3. Ethical considerations and transparency & leveraging technology to support pedagogy

Ethical data practices and transparency are central to building trust in digital education. Recommendations in this area call for clear accountability frameworks, informed consent models, and continuous evaluation of technology's impact. They encourage the responsible use of AI and EdTech, stakeholder involvement in procurement, and open data initiatives to ensure that technology enhances learning without compromising privacy or equity.

 

4. Infrastructure, standardisation, security, and data quality

Reliable infrastructure and standardised data practices are essential elements of a secure and efficient digital education ecosystem. Policymakers are encouraged to strengthen cybersecurity, improve data interoperability, and ensure high-quality data for informed decision-making. Recommendations also support the creation of unified platforms and technical guidelines to facilitate seamless data exchange and collaboration between stakeholders.

 

5. Professional development and data literacy

Empowering educators and other stakeholders with the skills to use data effectively is vital for sustainable digital transformation. Recommendations in this area aim to promote comprehensive and ongoing professional development programmes, integrate data literacy into initial teacher education, and foster collaborative learning communities. They underscore the importance of ethical awareness, inclusion, and evidence-based practices to build a culture of informed and equitable data use in education.

 

Each theme is explored through recommendations at the macro level (European and national) and meso level (regional and local). Micro-level (school and classroom) guidance is provided in a complementary document.

 

Taken together, these policy recommendations advocate for coherent digital strategies, robust data governance, ethical data practices, and inclusive professional development. They emphasise the importance of stakeholder collaboration, transparency, and the responsible use of educational data to foster equity, innovation, and pedagogical relevance in all educational settings.