Blockchain and Micro-Credentials in Pakistani Higher Education: Investigating their Potential to Enhance Skill Recognition Beyond Traditional Degrees

Abstract

The evolving global education landscape is being shaped by technological advancements such as blockchain technology and micro-credentials, which have the potential to reshape the way skills are recognized and validated beyond traditional degrees. In Pakistan, where higher education institutions face challenges related to skills mismatches, this study investigates the potential of blockchain and micro-credentials to enhance skill recognition and provide alternative pathways to traditional degree-based credentialing. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research combines qualitative interviews with higher education stakeholders and quantitative surveys among students to assess the perceived advantages, challenges, and potential impacts of these innovations in the Pakistani context. The findings suggest that blockchain can provide secure and verifiable records for skill validation, while micro-credentials offer flexible and targeted recognition of competencies. Despite challenges in terms of institutional readiness and awareness, the study highlights the significant promise of integrating these technologies into Pakistan’s higher education system to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and industry needs. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy development, regulatory frameworks, and institutional collaboration to implement blockchain and micro-credentials effectively.