Digital skills aren’t just an advantage anymore—they’re a necessity for jobs, businesses, and society.
A growing problem
Digital skills are no longer optional. They shape how we live, learn, work, and connect. They’re essential for economic growth and social progress. Without them, we fall behind. With them, we can grow, thrive, and drive progress. In today’s world, success—both personal and professional—depends on them.
Yet, Europe is lagging behind its digital ambitions. The EU aims for 80% of people to have at least basic digital skills in 2030, but today, only 55% do. Businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are struggling to upskill employees or find talent. Without action, the gap will widen, putting jobs and economies at risk.
The EU is actively addressing the digital skills gap. Initiatives support upskilling and digital inclusion for personal and professional success. These programmes aim to include everyone in our society, leaving no one behind. Yet, progress is slow, and the EU must speed up its efforts to remain competitive on the global stage. We must act now to ensure digital education and upskilling reach everyone. Join the movement
Defining digital skills
Digital skills range from basic online navigation to advanced coding and cybersecurity. We need them for social inclusion, well-being, employability, and active citizenship. We can define them as the ‘confident, critical, and responsible use of digital technologies’. In today’s world, digital ability matters as much as literacy and numeracy. In a nutshell, they can be divided into:
- Basic skills: sending emails, browsing the internet safely, and managing digital documents.
- Intermediate skills: understanding data privacy, using workplace software, handling e-commerce platforms.
- Advanced skills: AI development, programming, data analytics, cybersecurity.
Without basic digital skills, joining modern society is almost impossible. This affects work, education, and social interaction.
Digital skills in the workplace
Technology is rewriting job descriptions across all industries. From customer service to engineering, employees now need digital literacy. But businesses can’t find enough skilled workers. The result? Lost productivity, delayed projects, and an inability to compete globally.
The most sought-after digital skills today include
- AI and Automation
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Data analytics
- Programming and software development
Mastering these skills isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about staying employable in a rapidly changing world.
The cost of the digital skills gap
The EU has set bold digital goals for 2030. They aim for 80% of people in Europe to have basic digital skills. The EU also aims for 20 million ICT specialists, greater use of AI, big data, and cloud computing in businesses.
But the reality, according to the 2024 Digital Decade Report, tells a different story. Only 55.6% of people have basic digital skills. At the current pace, the number of ICT specialists will only reach 12 million.
When workers lack digital expertise, economies suffer. EU businesses report that digital skill shortages lead to:
- 46% decrease in productivity
- 43% drop in customer engagement
- 32% loss of contracts
Without investment in upskilling, European companies continue to struggle to compete against global tech leaders.
How digital transformation is changing work
TTechnology is replacing routine tasks. Automation, AI, and digital platforms are eliminating some jobs while creating new ones. The shift isn’t only impacting factory workers. Professionals in law, finance, and medicine are adapting too.
Employees must embrace continuous learning to remain relevant. Without action, low-skilled workers face the greatest risk of unemployment.
Upskilling for the future
In 2021, a World Economic Form report predicted the loss of 85 million jobs by 2025 due to technological advancements. In the same timeframe, 97 million new ones will emerge. The challenge? These new roles demand advanced digital capabilities.
To prepare, workers need:
- Problem-solving and adaptability to work with new technologies.
- Transversal skills that apply across industries.
- Ongoing training to keep up with changing job demands.
Businesses should invest in digital learning and policymakers must guarantee equal access to training.
The individual impact of digital skills
Beyond work, digital skills affect our daily lives. They are needed for everyday activities. Tasks such as banking, accessing healthcare, and connecting with loved ones. Without those skills, people risk being left behind.
For instance, online shopping is 13% cheaper than in-store purchases. Telehealth services cut travel time and expand healthcare access. Digital skills are now a basic necessity—not a luxury.
The EU’s response to close the gap
The EU is stepping up to close the digital skills gap. Its programmes support upskilling and digital inclusion in both, personal and professional context. It is also evident that the EU’s efforts align with identified key skills needs. Key initiatives include:
- European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles – ensures digital inclusion, data protection, and ethical AI use. It reinforces fundamental rights in the digital age.
- EU Skills Agenda – focuses on lifelong learning. It aims to upskill low-qualified adults and align digital skills training with sustainable economic growth.
- Digital Decade Targets – aim for 80% of Europeans to have basic digital skills by 2030. They also aim to increase the number of ICT specialists to 20 million and that 75% of businesses using cloud computing, big data, and AI.
- Digital Education Action Plan – covers digital education. This includes schools, vocational training, and lifelong learning programmes.
- Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition – brings together businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions. They work on large-scale upskilling and reskilling efforts.
- European Digital Skills Awards – recognise innovative initiatives that boost digital competency.
- Erasmus+ and the Digital Europe Programme – provide financial support for digital education projects. They boost partnerships and enhance access to training.
Despite these efforts, Europe still trails behind the US and China in tech adoption. We need more investment and faster implementation.
The European Digital Education Hub (EDEH) is an online community that connects education enthusiasts. It supports EU initiatives and addresses gaps in digital education policy, research, and practice.
The role of the private sector
Some businesses across Europe are stepping up to support digital upskilling. Their initiatives aim to match the most in-demand digital skills.
Companies collaborate with universities and NGOs to expand digital upskilling efforts. Social economy organisations assist job seekers and vulnerable groups. They help them gain tech skills to improve their job prospects.
Success stories, some co-funded by the EU, offer free coding bootcamps to job seekers in the IT sector. These initiatives work with well-known tech companies to close the skills gap and create new opportunities in tech.
Corporate training is critical, and widespread adoption is necessary to make a difference at scale.
Digital skills and ethics
With power comes responsibility. Digital skills education must include ethical awareness, covering:
- Data privacy & cybersecurity – protecting sensitive information
- AI bias & fairness – ensuring ethical AI decision-making
- Misinformation & digital literacy – combating fake news and online manipulation
The EU is addressing these concerns with stricter regulations on AI, cybersecurity, and data protection.
The path forward
The digital future is here. Without action, individuals, businesses, and economies will fall behind. The time to upskill is now. Whether you’re an employer, employee, or policymaker, investing in digital education is no longer optional.
Start changing digital education today.
Join the European Digital Education Hub to access training, resources, and insights that will keep you ahead in the digital age. Work with peers, share best practices, and drive meaningful change in digital education and training.
