PBL – Problem Based Learning for Companies and Clusters

Abstract

Small and medium sized companies (SMEs) assure economic growth in Europe. Generally many SMEs are struggling to survive in an ongoing global recession and often they are becoming reluctant to innovate or to use new forms of learning for their staff.Over the last years clustering has been of growing interest for SMEs helping them to be innovative also with limited resources.In this paper we present shortly the learning methods in SMEs particularly the Problem Based Learning (PBL) as an efficient form for SMEs and their work in clusters.In the field of Urban four SMEs clusters have been developed with potential of innovation and research in four European Regions: Tuscany - Italy, Valencia - Spain, Lisbon and Tagus - Portugal, Oltenia – Romania. The next task of the authors is to adapt and test the approach of ICT supported PBL worked within the project Archimedes to be used within these clusters.