During a recent consultation meeting in Brussels, technical teams working with Erasmus Without Paper (EWP) emphasised the need to consolidate and stabilise the current system before considering introducing new updates or architectural changes. Their main concern is that frequent adjustments could lead to unnecessary costs and disrupt the progress already made toward digitalising mobility processes.
Why Stability Matters for Sustainable Digital Adoption
In‑house system providers highlighted that the existing work on inter‑institutional and learning agreements should be preserved, particularly as institutions aim for 95% of learning agreements to be processed digitally. They noted that changing underlying systems too quickly could slow adoption, and future updates should only proceed when supported by a clear cost–benefit rationale. Lessons from the transition to version 7 of the IIA API also underscored the need for longer timelines, given the complexity of interconnected processes within institutional systems. Many providers expressed confidence that the current infrastructure can support the remaining steps of digitalisation, provided it remains stable.
Balancing Innovation with Institutional Capacity
Participants were also open to exploring new functionalities, including digital nominations, but stressed the importance of ensuring that any new developments remain usable long enough to justify investment. Discussions with third‑party software providers confirmed a shared view that system stability is essential for the wider EWP technical community.
Further consultations will take place with additional stakeholders as planning continues for the next phase of the European Student Card Initiative. Institutions working with EWP are encouraged to participate through the EWP User Groups and follow updates from their national Digital Officers.
For more details see: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/news/consolidate-the-current-erasmus-without-paper-infrastructure-says-technical-community