The findings demonstrate that the EXPERTISE approach effectively supports older procurement professionals in developing Industry 4.0-related competencies. The structured combination of diagnostic assessment, modular learning materials and guided learning environments strengthened digital confidence and increased awareness of competence gaps. It encouraged more strategic engagement with digital transformation in purchasing and supply management (PSM). Beyond individual learning outcomes, the case studies demonstrate how age-responsive training concepts can contribute to organisational capability development and more inclusive workforce strategies.

The white paper also situates these results within the broader academic discourse. WP5 addresses a notable gap in research and practice by focusing on the digital upskilling needs of older procurement professionals, an under-explored group despite the increasing digitalisation of PSM. The strong acceptance of microlearning formats and the positive reception of the skill measurement tool reinforce insights from adult learning theory and demonstrate the value of structured self-reflection in competence development.

From a managerial perspective, improving the Industry 4.0 skills of older workers boosts their confidence in using digital procurement systems, supports data-driven decision-making, and strengthens organisational resilience. The Skill Assessment Tool also benefits HR and talent management by offering a transparent framework for competence dialogue and development planning. Although integration into the formal vocational education and training (VET) programmes of professional associations has not yet been achieved, significant progress has been made. In the Netherlands, for example, two NEVI training sessions using the EXPERTISE materials are scheduled for April and June 2026.

The fourth white paper focuses on the development of learning materials tailored to the needs of silver workers in purchasing and supply management (PSM) in vocational education. It details the design principles established by the EXPERTISE project team and informed by requirements based on expert interviews and surveys from previous work packages. The curriculum comprises four key units: an introduction to silver workers and lifelong learning in PSM; digitalisation in PSM processes amid Industry 4.0; data analytics and management within PSM; and future trends impacting the field. Each unit is meticulously structured according to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) to define knowledge, skills and competencies, and includes diverse teaching formats such as micro-lectures, slide presentations, gamification elements and literature recommendations. The content is accessible via a Moodle course platform linked to the skill measurement tool that facilitates self-assessment against benchmark data from around 1,000 purchasers and supply managers. This tool visualises individual skill levels and recommends targeted learning resources for those performing below average. Future phases of the project will involve validation through case studies with companies and associations to gather feedback for refinement, as well as dissemination to enhance VET in PSM.

The third white paper of EXPERTISE was published, which focuses on the conducted survey to evaluate the current skill levels of PSM professionals of different generations. It presents the rationale and methodology behind the survey, as well as the outcomes (especially about discrimination and specific competence gaps affecting silver workers). Results from ca. 200 participants reveal the need for adaptive training formats and highlight the preferred learning strategies of older employees. Based on these findings, the white paper introduces the design and development of the skill assessment tool comprising 107 questions on specific skills in current and future procurement. Grounded in earlier research, the tool on the one hand visualises the skill level in comparison to the average and the top purchasers in a radar chart of a benchmark data set of other 1.000 purchasers as well as on the other hand aims to match silver workers‘ PSM competencies with appropriate learning resources with the following work package. The tool was tested at a dedicated learning and teaching event, and the final design is discussed alongside its relevance to previous work packages and to broader vocational education. The outcome is a set of actionable recommendations for the vocational education and training of purchasing and supply management professionals across Europe, with the goal of fostering inclusive and future-ready training.

The white paper is available under the project results in the top menu.

The third white paper of EXPERTISE focuses on a survey conducted by the consortium to evaluate the current skill levels of PSM professionals of different generations. It presents the rationale and methodology behind the survey, as well as the outcomes (especially about discrimination and specific competence gaps affecting silver workers). Results from ca. 200 participants reveal the need for adaptive training formats and highlight the preferred learning strategies of older employees. Based on these findings, the white paper introduces the design and development of the skill assessment tool comprising 107 questions on specific skills in current and future procurement. Grounded in earlier research, the tool on the one hand visualises the skill level in comparison to the average and the top purchasers in a radar chart of a benchmark data set of other 1.000 purchasers as well as on the other hand aims to match silver workers‘ PSM competencies with appropriate learning resources with the following work package. The tool was tested at a dedicated learning and teaching event, and the final design is discussed alongside its relevance to previous work packages and to broader vocational education. The outcome is a set of actionable recommendations for the vocational education and training of purchasing and supply management professionals across Europe, with the goal of fostering inclusive and future-ready training.

From 12 to 14 May, the EXPERTISE team presented our skill measurement tool and the learning and teaching materials designed for silver workers in purchasing and supply management (PSM) at the University of Twente. Participants registered on Moodle and actively utilized the tool, sharing insights during open discussions and evaluations, especially around recommended training materials.

In detail: The Lehrstuhl für Unternehmenslogistik (LFO) of Technische Universität Dortmund presented the first training material focused on Silver Workers, incorporating gamification elements to enhance learning. Participant feedback was collected via Qualtrics for future improvements.
We also explored digitalization in PSM of EL-IPS, showcasing interactive training materials that discussed various technologies in strategic sourcing and operative procurement.
The Bratislava University of Economics and Business (EUBA) introduced a Data Analytics unit where participants filtered datasets to answer specific questions and engaged in an interactive Oracle task, which was evaluated as well.
In our final session of LUT University, we addressed global trends impacting competency requirements in PSM, particularly regarding risk management and financial instabilities. A concluding discussion highlighted further trends shaping the field.

Thank you to all participants for your valuable contributions!