New Pact for Skills partnership to boost digital skills

Today, with the support of the Commission, EU associations, companies, organisations, trade unions, universities, training providers and national federations set up a new partnership for skills in the digital ecosystem. This new partnership will enable the upskilling and reskilling of workers and attract more people to the digital industry. The partnership will help people and businesses acquire necessary digital skills, which will contribute to the objectives of the digital and green transitions of Europe’s economy. It will focus first on improving the skills of the workforce of the partners of the digital sector. Partners will then develop common targets, for instance on the number of people to be reskilled and monitor future developments on upskilling and reskilling. Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “Digital skills are a cornerstone of the digital and green transition. They are also key to success for businesses of all sizes. The Digital Ecosystem’s Skills Partnership under the Pact for Skills will take a leading role in making the EU economy fit for the challenges of the future. It will also inspire others – whether in the Digital Ecosystem or any other industrial ecosystem – to turn digital opportunities into successful business models that benefit citizens and businesses alike.” Commissioner for Jobs and Social rights, Nicolas Schmit, said: “Digital skills are fundamental for all businesses of Europe’s economy. This partnership will strengthen the digital skills of European workers which enables them to navigate today’s ever-changing labour market. I am pleased to see that yet another partnership for skills under the Pact for Skills is concluded which will contribute to Europe’s competitiveness and social cohesion.” Following commitments in other industrial ecosystems, this new partnership is part of the Pact for Skills, one of the flagship initiatives under the European Skills Agenda. The new partnership will work closely with other existing partnerships in other sectors, where digital skills play a crucial role. It will seek synergies and collaboration with other existing initiatives (such as Digital Skills & Jobs Coalition or the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs) to use existing best practices and guidance as an inspiration for the partnership. The Pact for Skills contributes to one of the three EU social targets set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan of having at least 60% of all adults participate in training every year by 2030.