The European Maturity Model for Blended Education: A Retrospective and an Outlook for the Future

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role of blended education and teaching in addressing challenges inherent in online learning environments. In May 2020, the European Maturity Model for Blended Education (EMBED) was launched, providing a structured framework for evaluating and enhancing blended practices across European higher education institutions. A mixed-method analysis, involving a survey, a literature review, and a force field analysis, was conducted to assess the impact and effectiveness of EMBED. The results show that the project’s deliverables have been adopted across higher education institutions in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Turkey, driving institutional assessments, action plans, and staff training. EMBED proved particularly valuable during the pandemic, guiding institutions through the rapid shift to online learning and being integrated into various EU projects and professional development initiatives. Building on these findings, EMBED+ will be developed to address evolving educational needs and to integrate technological advancements. It will expand the original model by introducing updates and new features, focusing on four key pathways: the development of a contemporary model, the creation of an open-source resources hub, an EU-wide road tour to share outcomes, and the establishment of a transnational expert network. Through its comprehensive approach, EMBED+ aims to foster sustainable mature blended practices across Europe.