The RIA-AE Network developed a transnational research approach to the Erasmus+ Programme in adult education. National monitoring studies, conducted in parallel with the same survey design in the network's member countries, inform National Agencies about the implementation and impact of the Erasmus+ Programme in adult education. Additionally, the data contributed to the development of a European study aimed at highlighting the programme's effects on a transnational level and providing impetus for its further development at the European level.
The study focuses on the impact of the two key actions of Erasmus+ (Key Action 1: Learning mobility of individuals and Key Action 2: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices) on the funded organisations, the participants (staff and learners), and the adult education sector in each country. Besides the internationalisation of this educational sector, there is particular interest in the horizontal priorities set by the European Union: inclusion and diversity, environment and fight against climate change, digital transformation and participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement.
The research design agreed upon within the network includes a mixed-methods approach. In addition to document analysis, which includes project documents and data from EU databases, an online survey of participating organisations is conducted. Case studies and interviews with adult learners and non-participating organisations round out the methodological approach.
In the first survey round in 2023, the methodological concept was not fully implemented by all countries as the network allowed an individual approach based on the needs and capacities of the member countries. In addition, several countries joined during the implementation of the survey round.
As a result of the findings of the first survey round the RIA-AE Network released a position paper highlighting the unique value of the Erasmus+ Programme in strengthening adult education across Europe. The paper underscores Erasmus+ as a driver of inclusion, innovation, and professional development—especially for learners with fewer opportunities.
The position paper calls for:
Greater flexibility in programme design and funding mechanisms;
Stronger synergies between mobility (KA1) and cooperation (KA2) projects;
Enhanced support for outreach and hosting structures;
Better access for underrepresented providers;
Improved dialogue between policy and programme implementation.
While praising the programme’s wide reach and transformative potential, the network emphasizes that more tailored approaches are needed to support adult learners, who often face complex barriers to participation. Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment, trust in providers, and recognition of the sector’s diversity.
In general, the modules from the first survey round are repeated in the second survey round. The second survey round however places particular emphasis on the topic of participation in democratic life and civic engagement. Participation in democratic life and civic engagement are core priorities for Erasmus+ adult education, making this a timely and policy-relevant focus for research in the second survey round.
As the European Commission has prioritised studies with a counterfactual approach, the RIA-AE Network aims to enhance its research and monitoring framework by integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods that align better with the Commission's guidelines. For this reason, two additional modules are integrated in the second survey round. The qualitative module focuses on the impacts of Erasmus+ mobility on adult learners with fewer opportunities, while the quantitative module assesses the net effectiveness of Erasmus+ KA1 mobility using pre- and post-participation surveys.
Final reports of the second survey round are expected—both on national and transnational level—in summer 2026.
A third survey round with a similar approach as in the first two round is planned for 2027. Among other things, it will examine progress of the Erasmus+ Programme during the programme period.