Blockchain Infrastructure for Managing Competences in Higher Education

Abstract

Recognizing the evolving demands of the labor market, universities are redefining education systems to emphasize practical skills and competences. The aim of this paper is to propose a solution for competence management in higher education that ensures the authenticity and accessibility of acquired credentials which represent competences. The paper outlines a blockchain-based ecosystem for managing competences in higher education, benefiting stakeholders such as educational institutions, employers, and students. Additionally, this paper proposes a system that enhances data integrity and accessibility, facilitating the transparent issuance and verification of academic credentials by leveraging blockchain, NFT, IPFS, and graph technologies. Implemented as a decentralized application, the system allows professors and students to securely assign and view competences. In summary, this paper presents a comprehensive solution for credential management in higher education, leveraging blockchain technology to address challenges in credential verification and ensure the long-term relevance and value of academic credentials in the job market.