EU strives to boost digital skills as new study highlights key gaps
As the European Union accelerates its digital transformation agenda, a new Joint Research Centre (JRC) analysis has underscored significant challenges ahead in meeting the ambitious goal of ensuring 80% of adults possess at least basic digital skills by 2030.
A startling skills shortfall
The recent study, which builds on Eurostat’s 2023 Digital Skills Indicator data, reveals that only 55.6% of the EU’s adult population currently meet the basic digital competence threshold. Without urgent and targeted measures, projections indicate that just 60% may achieve these skills by 2030—a far cry from the Digital Decade target.
The very low digital skills levels among manual workers highlight the critical need for upskilling and reskilling. Moreover, CEDEFOF stated in a study last year that while the majority of European workers recognize the need to acquire new knowledge and skills to adapt to the impact of AI on their jobs over the next five years, only a small portion has undergone AI training, and believe their company or organization will not offer such training.
Uneven digital proficiency across demographics
While many adults have grown proficient in everyday tasks like email communication and social media engagement, the study identifies major gaps in essential areas such as digital content creation, cybersecurity practices, and online learning. These skills are critical as European workplaces increasingly depend on technology for innovation and growth. Especially for those in jobs at greater risk of displacement due to advancing technologies, particularly AI-driven automation and digital transformation.
Notably, the report finds that adults with lower education levels and those in manual occupations are at a pronounced disadvantage. For instance, while 32% of young people aged 16-24 already face challenges in achieving even basic skills, this figure soars to 43% among young individuals with limited formal education. Rural communities, too, show a lag, reflecting broader socio-economic disparities.
Tailored policies and strategic investments needed
To bridge this growing digital divide, the JRC study recommends tailored interventions focused on the most vulnerable groups. Key among these is an emphasis on specialized training in digital content creation, enhancing online security, and fostering problem-solving capabilities.
For younger demographics, the report stresses the importance of integrating digital skills training into compulsory education and expanding vocational education and training (VET) opportunities. Meanwhile, for older and less digitally engaged populations, initiatives must aim to overcome the 8% of adults who report minimal or no internet use.
In a parallel move, the European Commission has introduced its proposal for a Union of Skills. This initiative focuses on robust investments, lifelong learning, and the recognition of diverse training formats. With a dedicated budget of €26.3 billion allocated between 2021 and 2027, the programme is designed to accelerate digital upskilling and ensure that the EU not only meets but exceeds its 2030 objectives.
The road ahead
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, closing these skills gaps is imperative for Europe to remain competitive on the global stage. Policymakers, educators, and industry leaders are now called upon to work collaboratively, ensuring that digital training is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the rapidly changing technological environment.
With the digital future of Europe at stake, the challenge is clear: without concerted action to support those most at risk of digital exclusion, the EU’s ambitious targets could remain out of reach. However, with strategic investments and tailored policy interventions, there is a promising path forward to a more digitally inclusive continent.
