Skills and the digital transition: Leaving no one behind

Skills and the digital transition: Leaving no one behind

In today’s times, in what is considered to be the fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0, automation and digitalisation play a fundamental role in our personal and professional lives. As we aim to transition to a sustainable world economy, our ability to contribute to, and succeed in, a more digitalised future is dependent on having the skills and competences that enable us to grasp new and emerging opportunities and critically understand the digital revolution. But given the fast pace of technological change, how can education and training ensure that everybody gains the skills needed to actively participate and thrive in this digital world?

Digitalisation is key to supporting sustainable growth and development. As countries devise ambitious energy transition strategies to halt the devastating impact of climate change, it is vital that greater consideration is given to how the digital transition can contribute to more sustainable societies, and which skills are needed to make this happen. Our activities, as part of the European Year of Skills, will do just that: help the EU’s neighbouring countries develop systems to equip people with the knowledge and competences they need for successful careers and rewarding lives in a greener and more digital future. 

Building on the experiences of online learning during the pandemic, we will be focusing our efforts on supporting policy makers and institutions to design and implement lifelong learning programmes that address the challenges of digital inclusion and digital literacy. Overcoming the digital divide and ensuring equal accessibility to online services and content is of paramount importance if everybody is to engage with, and benefit from, today’s knowledge society. 

Throughout this year, we will: 

  • be a leading voice in advocating for education and training to adopt a digitally inclusive mindset;
  • use ETF Digital Education Reform Framework as a tool to support policy makers and policy shapers in the development of pragmatic, inclusive and effective digital education policies; 
  • share digital transformation success stories from educators and practitioners, and facilitate online collaboration, peer learning and networking;
  • contribute to the European and international dialogue regarding the effective integration of digital technologies in education and training.