Regional innovative schemes of the educational capacity building for the smart specialization in the human settlements in the Republic of Moldova

Objectives: This article aims to collect, analyze and summarize the best EU practices in developing digital skills and competencies of target groups of settlements in development regions in the context of smart specialization priorities, in relation to the specifics of the Republic of Moldova. It is also intended to develop recommendations for the successful implementation of the digital transformation of the Republic of Moldova into the European family of digital economy. The work highlights necessary activities to connect settlements to the ecosystems of the digital factory of open innovation and the digital academy of entrepreneurship that promote the development of digital skills. Prior work: The authorsof the article are based on their published research in the field of smart settlements development, especially digitalization aspects, as well as best European practices. Approach: Bibliographic analysis, case studies, synthesis, conclusions. Results: Based on a comparative analysis, methods for teaching digital skills and competencies to target groups of development regions are proposed in the context of smart specialization priorities. The concepts of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, the Open Innovation Factory and the Digital Academy of Entrepreneurship for the integration of regional educational ecosystems into the European Higher Education Area are also highlighted. The article not only contributes to the theoretical understanding of the concepts of adaptation of digital education in regions of development of smart settlements, but also provides the basis for the further development of a smart specialization strategy aimed at maximizing the social and economic positive results from its application while minimizing negative consequences. Implications: academics, researchers, practitioners. Value: The value of this work lies in identifying and structuring a regional innovative scheme for digital skills development compatible with best practice in the European Education Area related to specific of the Republic of Moldova.