Micro-credentials (MCs) and digital badges (DBs) are transforming the world of higher education (HE) by providing a modular, stackable, and competency-based pathway of learning that is not confined to the traditional degree programs. The present paper synthesizes the current literature on MCs and DBs, including their design, adoption, and implementation, as well as future trends, institutional benefits, challenges, and governance concerns. The current research generally points to positive links to lifelong learning and workforce relevance when combined with flexible online platforms and personalized presentation. But the evidence to date is mostly cross-sectional and descriptive, with a lack of longitudinal evidence to support long-term and causal effects. Critical issues remain around inconsistent employer recognition, quality assurance, equity, and the absence of global standards, which could affect their efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability. This article finds that new technologies, such as blockchain-based credentialing, can support verification, portability, and trust, and that stakeholder collaboration improves relevance and labor market alignment. Through integrating conceptual, empirical, and policy viewpoints, this paper has identified the opportunities of longitudinal studies, regional adaptation, and policy development. The MCs are positioned as disruptive solutions, which will result in learner empowerment, institutional change, and more inclusive and future-oriented HE systems.
Wenjing et al. (Fri,) studied this question.