Developing the Uncertainty Competence Framework Together

During spring 2026, the validation and development of an uncertainty competence framework has

been carried out. The aim of the framework is to help identify, structure, and develop the skills,

attitudes, and practices that enable uncertainty to be transformed into a resource that supports

learning—for learners, educators, and organisations alike.

The framework builds on previous research and development carried out in the PUNC project, as

well as on thematic interviews and a literature review conducted within the TRIC project. While the

PUNC framework focused solely on the learner perspective (knowledge, skills, and attitude), the

TRIC project has expanded the framework to also include the role of organisations and the support

they provide in dealing with uncertainty.

A key starting point for the framework is the recognition of different transition phases where

experiences of uncertainty are particularly prominent. These include transitions from vocational

education and training to higher education, from education to working life, from work back to

studies, from one culture to another, and from one life stage to another. Examining these

transitions helps to identify what kinds of uncertainty competences are needed in different

situations and how they can be supported.

Co-creation and Validation in Two Phases

The validation process was carried out in two phases. First, project partners assessed the

framework within their own organisations through a Webropol survey and joint discussions. The

results were then presented and discussed in a transnational workshop, after which the next

version of the framework was further developed based on the feedback.

At the heart of the process was the creation of a shared understanding: each organisation focused

on one transition phase and reflected on both the learner’s uncertainty competences (knowledge,

skills, attitude) and the support and guidance provided by the organisation.

The Framework in Practice: Learner Process and Organisational Support

The model below (Figure 1) illustrates the framework and makes its key idea visible: uncertainty is

understood as a phased yet iterative learning process, in which the learner’s progression and the

organisation’s support evolve in parallel.

Figure 1. The TRIC framework is illustrated as a butterfly.

At the centre of the model is the learner, surrounded by a process that moves from recognising

uncertainty to working with and making use of it. The progression reflects stages such as

recognising, acknowledging, exploring, and handling uncertainty.

At the same time, the framework highlights the role of the organisation: it supports the learner by

identifying situations, structuring them, and providing appropriate support and scaffolding at

different stages. Together, this forms a dynamic whole in which learner agency and organisational

support complement each other.

Key Findings: A Strong Foundation for Further Development

The validation results indicate that the core idea and structure of the framework function well.

Feedback particularly highlighted the clarity of the framework, its learner-centred approach, and

the way it successfully integrates both learner and organisational perspectives.

Strengths also included the framework’s ability to make different transition phases visible, to offer

concrete perspectives for examining them, and to highlight how organisations can support dealing

with uncertainty and learning. In addition, the idea of uncertainty as a productive element in

learning was seen as both important and timely.

At the same time, the validation process generated a wide range of valuable development

suggestions—which was, of course, one of its key objectives. Feedback addressed, for example,

the structure of the framework, the clarity of concepts, and the refinement of content.

Overall, the results provide a strong foundation for the further development of the framework.

What’s Next: Refining Structure and Content

The framework is currently being further developed based on the feedback, in collaboration with

Danish partners and Turku University of Applied Sciences. The development work focuses on two

main aspects:

• clarifying the structure and usability of the framework

• refining the content and transition-specific menus

  
  

The aim is to produce an updated version before the summer. After that, the framework will be tried

out and further developed in practice within the upcoming project work packages. The framework

will later be published on the TRIC project website.

We would like to warmly thank all project partners for their valuable contributions to the validation

and development work. Special thanks go to our Danish partners SEA Business Academy and BC

Syd for their excellent and significant work in developing the framework.

Jonna Heikkilä

Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland

TRIC project contributor

Published June 16 2026.