Digital Experts: a deep-dive

The latest developments of several disruptive technologies like Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and Big Data drastically alter work practices bringing a paradigm shift in the workplace. Currently in the EU and worldwide there is a shortage in highly skilled ICT professionals (digital experts). It is estimated that by 2030, the number of Information and Communication (ICT) professionals (digital experts) in the EU should rise to 20 million. The emergence, integration, and adoption of new digital technologies necessitates upskilling and reskilling of ICT experts. Towards supporting digital experts’ professional development, the current article proposes a four-stage process: identification of the skills shortages or gaps, development of the needed skills through formal and non-formal education, transfer skills into the job market and monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of this transition. The emphasis is on a skills development ecosystem that can involve a number of actors to provide several reskilling and upskilling pathways. EU is committed to the aim of reskilling and upskilling digital experts and supports various key initiatives for their continuous professional development. The Digital Decade policy programme, with concrete targets and objectives for 2030 defined in the Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade programme “shapes the digital transformation of Europe’s society and economy, bringing benefits to everyone”.