Digital skills are both focal points in current EU policy. The European Commission wants to address the digital skills gap and promote projects and strategies to improve digital skills levels in Europe. But it is not just about general digital skills for all European citizens. Europe also faces a shortage of ICT experts who can develop advanced technologies for the benefit of all citizens and more than 70% of companies say the lack of staff with adequate digital skills is a barrier to investment.
The ICT sector is growing fast and so does the demand for a properly skilled ICT workforce. This creates considerable labour market challenges, often more popularly referred to as a skills gap. This strategy aims to formulate a clear and well-structured approach with actions to close this software skills gap in Europe and to ensure the skills needs of the rapidly evolving software sector can be met. The strategic approach proposed in this report relies on three pillars: analysing and monitoring the right skills for software professionals, supporting the provision of training and education and creating strategic collaboration between key stakeholders.
Resource available: A Software Skills Strategy for Europe