According to the Government’s Digital Transformation Service, according to statistics in this area, Slovenia is lagging behind the European average, with only 55 % of adults having basic digital competences. This is fundamentally too low for equal inclusion in the digital society, adding that the law aims to enable a breakthrough between the most digitally inclusive European societies. The ZSDV introduces both systemic solutions and intervention measures aimed at those most affected by digital exclusion in times of crisis.
ZSDV:
— it defines different levels of digital competences and a wide range of measures to increase the digital inclusion of all key social groups, including persons with disabilities.
— it facilitates the acquisition of digital skills through courses that will be subsidised through public tenders. As knowledge is not sufficient without adequate IT equipment, the law also introduces the possibility of financial incentives to purchase such equipment.
— aims to enthusiasm young people about the technical skills and occupations of the future, which are so lacking today, to contribute to the digitalisation of the school process and to the responsible and safe use of digital technologies.
— it provides the basis for launching calls for tenders to subsidise digital skills courses, focusing on people aged over 55 and young people.
The legal basis will allow people over 55 to participate in free courses in order to acquire basic digital competences. Similar courses will also target young people in advanced digital skills such as coding, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital entrepreneurship. Grants for the provision of courses will be awarded to contractors with appropriate references, qualified staff, suitable premises and IT equipment, on the basis of public tenders.
As pointed out in the Government’s Digital Transformation Service, the law will provide incentives for the purchase of computer equipment, the so-called digital voucher. In 2022, all students and primary schoolchildren of the last triade will be eligible for digital vouchers worth EUR 150. The purpose of vouchers is to facilitate possible distance education, as many Slovenian families have proven to lack sufficient computer equipment, especially in families with more children, during the pandemic.
Digital vouchers worth EUR 150 will be able to receive over 55 years of age who will take part in subsidised courses. The digital voucher is modelled on a tourist voucher and can be redeemed by beneficiaries to buy new or renovated IT equipment. The law also provides for subsidising the development and deployment of solutions for the digital inclusion of people with disabilities, subsidising the purchase of digital teaching materials, additional teacher training and setting up call centres to provide technical support to citizens.
Education campaigns aim to promote the safe and responsible use of digital technologies, with the first campaign aimed at raising citizens’ awareness of protection against online abuse and attacks.
The law provides for an in-depth analysis of the situation every two years, on the basis of which the regular two-year plan to promote digital inclusion sets out the most appropriate measures to strengthen the digital competences of the population. Over EUR 31 million is available for the envisaged actions in 2022.