Digital skills are key to a competitive, resilient and inclusive Europe. The rapid development of technology and its adoption in our economy requires that Europeans are digitally competent. Yet, 36% of European adults still lack basic digital skills, and a further 8% rarely or never use the internet.
By using data from the Digital Skills Indicator (DSI 2.0) the JRC Publication Digital skills gaps – a closer look at the Digital Skills Index (DSI 2.0) analyses the Eurostat’s 2023 Digital Skills Indicator (DSI 2.0) to identify digital skills gaps among adults in the EU, aiming to support policymakers and education providers. It addresses two key research questions:
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Which digital skills need further development?
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Who are the target groups for digital skills training?
Key findings include:
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Cybersecurity skills among EU citizens are low, despite rising cyber threats. More investment in cybersecurity education, awareness, and training is recommended.
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Online civic and political participation is lagging, highlighting the need for digital literacy programs that encourage informed engagement in public life.
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Data literacy and programming skills are in high demand but remain underdeveloped, requiring stronger integration into education and training programs.
The report identifies priority groups for digital skills development, including manual workers, unemployed individuals, and those outside the labor force, who are at higher risk of job displacement due to automation. Digital skills should be seen as a baseline for employability, as 90% of jobs require at least basic digital skills.
Demographic analysis shows that:
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Young people (16-24) with low education levels have a high probability (43%) of lacking digital skills.
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Gender differences in digital skills are minimal, but structural barriers still make It more difficult fo women to participate in STEM and ICT careers.
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8% of Europeans have not accessed the internet in the past three months, mostly women, older adults, and lower-income individuals, requiring targeted inclusion efforts.
AI-driven skills gaps:
Addressing AI-driven skills gaps is critical—while 61% of workers recognize the need to adapt to AI, only 15% have received AI training, and 44% doubt their employer will provide it. Support for SMEs in digital training is particularly needed.
Recommendations:
Policymakers must tackle persistent skill disparities while adapting to rapid technological evolution. Targeted policies should focus on adults 55+, low-education individuals, and those with limited digital exposure, ensuring training is accessible, inclusive, and scalable. More research and monitoring are needed to assess training effectiveness, funding adequacy, and best practices for engaging vulnerable groups in digital upskilling.