Digital transformation in education has accelerated in recent years, but it has also deepened existing inequalities, particularly affecting students and teachers in under-resourced or rural areas. The digital divide—manifested through unequal access to infrastructure, low levels of digital competence, and limited institutional support—continues to hinder educational equity across Europe. This paper presents findings from the Smart Solutions Erasmus+ project (2024–2026), a strategic partnership involving institutions from Ireland, Poland, Italy, Turkey, Romania, Portugal, and Latvia, aimed at tackling technological exclusion in diverse educational contexts.

The main objective of the project is to develop and test smart, scalable strategies for fostering digital inclusion among both learners and educators. The study adopts a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data were collected in all seven countries belonging to the consortium through a post-piloting online questionnaire (N=244), while qualitative insights were generated through focus groups conducted after pilot trainings. The trainings focused on introducing teachers to digital tools as well as innovative pedagogical approaches with modular, open-access scenarios. In the next stages of the project, the results foresee student training in digital tools and practices and the creation of open educational resources (OER) tailored to diverse learner needs.

Preliminary results indicate that targeted teacher training combining innovative pedagogical approaches and digital tools significantly improves confidence and competence in using digital technologies in the classroom, leading to more inclusive, engaging and effective learning environments. In addition, smart digital tools co-developed with teachers and learners have shown promise in enhancing access for digitally excluded groups. However, the study also identifies ongoing structural challenges, including fragmented policy implementation, uneven access to devices and connectivity, and institutional resistance to change.

The paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers, school leaders, and educational innovators on implementing sustainable, pedagogically sound solutions for digital inclusion. It also proposes a flexible model for smart digital integration that can be adapted to various educational systems across Europe. The outcomes of the Smart Solutions project offer practical insights into how international collaboration can contribute to closing the digital gap while promoting pedagogical innovations and ensuring that no learner or teacher is left behind in the digital age.

Keywords: Digital inclusion, digital divide, Erasmus+ projects, teacher training, equity in education.