The European Commission launched its Digital Single Market Strategy on May 6. The ambitious and wide-ranging strategy includes strong calls for improved digital skills among workers, with a goal to deliver on the actions contained within the Strategy by the end of 2016.Speaking at the launch of the Strategy, European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker said, “Today, we lay the groundwork for Europe’s digital future. I want to see pan-continental telecoms networks, digital services that cross borders and a wave of innovative European start-ups. I want to see every consumer getting the best deals and every business accessing the widest market – wherever they are in Europe. Exactly a year ago, I promised to make a fully Digital Single Market one of my top priorities. Today, we are making good on that promise. The 16 steps of our Digital Single Market Strategy will help make the Single Market fit for a digital age.”
The Strategy calls for digital skill levels “to be raised among employees in all economic sectors and among job seekers”, stating that “change is needed in the way education and training systems adapt to the digital revolution.” As an action point, the Strategy states that “the Commission will address digital skills and expertise as a key component of its future initiatives on skills and training.”
ECDL Foundation welcomes effort to build digital skills, and is keen to see strong action to tackle the challenge of an emerging digital divide between those with essential ICT skills for the workplace, and those without.
More information about the Digital Single Market Strategy can be found on the website of the European Commission.
