Bridging the Digital Skills Divide - Taking a Close Look at Europe and APEC
Vanessa Wainwright
2030 Skills Mission to democratise access for 100 million people to learning and inclusive opportunities through the Skills Passport
Introduction
The digital skills divide is a significant global issue that needs to be addressed to ensure that everyone can benefit from the opportunities provided by the digital age. Bridging the digital skills divide involves providing access to technology and digital infrastructure and empowering people with the necessary skills to use them effectively.
Europe
The digital skills divide in Europe refers to the unequal distribution of digital skills among different groups of people and regions across Europe. While some individuals and communities have access to the latest digital technologies and possess the skills to use them effectively, others lack access to technology and the skills needed to take advantage of it. This divide can be seen in different forms, such as differences in digital literacy, access to technology, and the availability of digital infrastructure.
One of the key challenges in addressing the digital skills divide is the lack of access to digital technologies and infrastructure, particularly in rural or disadvantaged areas. This can limit the ability of individuals in these areas to acquire and develop digital skills, leaving them at a disadvantage in the digital economy. Another factor contributing to the digital skills divide is the lack of digital literacy and training. Many people, particularly older generations, may lack the necessary skills to use digital technologies effectively, which can lead to exclusion from important services and opportunities. In Europe, the Digital Economy and Society Index shows that 40% of adults and every third worker lack basic digital skills. There is also a significant gender gap in tech-related professions and studies – just one in six Information and Communication Technology (ICT) specialists and one in three science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates are women.
To address the digital skills divide, governments and organisations across Europe are investing in programmes and initiatives aimed at improving digital literacy, expanding access to technology and infrastructure, and promoting digital inclusion. These efforts include providing training and education programmes, improving digital infrastructure in rural areas, and expanding internet access to underserved communities. Additionally, efforts are underway to encourage diversity in the technology sector and promote greater inclusion in digital decision-making.
Furthermore, The European Commission is making targeted funding available to support this mission, through different programmes, such as the Digital Europe Programme, Erasmus+, and Horizon Europe, among others. European organisations willing to bridge the digital skills gap can access the funding by partnering-up and delivering innovative and inclusive training, providing European citizens with knowledge and tools to live and foster in the digital era. To make sure that the efforts to meet the Digital Decade targets and reach the 80% of the European population with basic digital skills by 2030, training providers all over Europe are partnering up with businesses and
civil society in different Member States, to create real impact at European level.
APEC Region
The digital skills divide in the APEC region refers to the disparities in digital skills and access to technology among its member economies. The APEC region covers a diverse group of countries ranging from highly developed economies like the United States, Japan, and Australia, to developing economies such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The digital skills divide in APEC is a significant challenge, with many economies lagging behind in terms of digital infrastructure and skills development. This can limit the ability of individuals and businesses to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital economy. Some of the key factors contributing to the digital skills divide in APEC include limited access to digital technologies and infrastructure in rural and remote areas, a lack of digital literacy and education, and unequal distribution of digital resources and opportunities.
According to a report from The Economist, (March, 2023), Trends like digitalisation and sustainability are driving skills gaps in APEC. About 86m workers in APEC need to be up-skilled or re-skilled with advanced digital skills to match the pace of technological change. As government regulations and consumer awareness drive sustainability to the top of the business agenda, firms will increasingly scramble for green talent.
Additionally, advanced digital skills are a differentiator for employees in APEC. Demand for advanced digital skills increased during the pandemic when business processes rapidly digitised and the use of big data became imperative, aggravating the advanced digital skills gap in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and cybersecurity. As a result, employees with these skills now have greater bargaining power when negotiating for salary, flexibility and training opportunities. For some workers, however, the digital divide—including low levels of digital literacy—remains a barrier to acquiring these skills.
To address the digital skills divide in APEC, member economies are implementing various strategies to promote digital inclusion and skills development. These include investing in digital infrastructure and expanding access to technology, promoting digital literacy and education, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital economy. In addition, APEC has established a Digital Prosperity Award to recognise and promote initiatives that promote digital inclusion and skills development in the region. The APEC Digital Skills and Jobs Task Force is also working to develop a framework for digital skills training and certification to promote the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce that can thrive in the digital economy.
A Global Solution
From a global perspective, the following represents some of the ways in which governments and regions can work together to bridge the digital skills divide:
- Provide Access to Technology and Infrastructure: One of the key steps towards bridging the digital skills divide is to ensure that everyone has access to technology and infrastructure. This can be achieved through initiatives such as government-funded technology programs, affordable internet access, and the provision of digital devices.
- Invest in Digital Education and Training: Digital education and training are essential for building the skills required to thrive in the digital age. Governments, schools, and businesses can invest in digital education and training programs that cater to different age groups and skill levels.
- Foster Collaboration and Partnerships: Bridging the digital skills divide requires a collaborative effort between different stakeholders. Governments, educational institutions, NGOs, and businesses can work together to develop and implement initiatives that address the digital skills gap.
- Create Digital Mentorship Programs: Digital mentorship programmes can help individuals acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital age. Experienced professionals can provide guidance and support to those who are just starting to learn digital skills.
- Empower Women and Girls: Women and girls are often underrepresented in the digital industry. Providing them with access to education and training opportunities can help bridge the gender gap in the digital skills divide.
In Summary
Bridging the digital skills divide is critical to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. By providing access to technology and infrastructure, investing in digital education and training, fostering collaboration and partnerships, creating digital mentorship programmes, and empowering women and girls, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the digital age.
By
Fiona Whelan and Vanessa Tierney
Director of Education and Skills and CEO
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