Lesson 3: Importance of digital skills in today’s society
The need of facing the European’s citizens gap of knowledge on digital skills and the consequent need of capacity building on the use of the potentialities of the digital technologies has lead the European Commission to finalize The Digital Competence Framework for Citizen (DigComp)
In an era where technology is changing rapidly, developing and maintaining one’s digital skills is essential to keep up with the times.
Digital competence and skills are:
- Increasingly required in many jobs (no matter the sector) and also they help to differentiate from the competition and gain a competitive advantage;
- Useful for daily life: for example, they can help you manage your time better, communicate with others more efficiently and carry out online activities, such as shopping or booking travel;
- An essential element for success in an increasingly digital world and implementing and maintaining them is really necessary under every aspect.
Jobs requiring digital skills make up 6-12% of all vacancies posted online in the 10 main economies of the EU and this share is steadily increasing (https://europeansting.com/2022/11/28/digital-skills-how-businesses-and-policymakers-can-responfìd-to-future-demand-in-the-labour-market/). Infact, technological transformation is already an irreversible process that affects the day-to-day operations of companies of all sizes and in all sectors of activity. Nowadays most jobs require computer skills and digital knowledge, not only in the Tech Industry.
Also, an improved knowledge of technologies among the workforce is proved to improve efficiency and productivity, thus allowing for an improvement of wages. In this context, the development of digital skills is necessary to facilitate the participation of citizens in the work force and to promote a more equal access to services.
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