EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
ARMAND LEBLOIS , REGIONAL MANAGER , CISCO NETWORK
ACADEMY EUROPE
Europe is facing an increasing digital talent shortage and getting ahead of this is crucial to ensure it stays competitive on a global stage . The 2023 EU Digital Decade report revealed Europe ’ s position in the global ICT market ecosystem could be substantially improved – its share of global revenue in the ICT market has fallen in the last decade , from 21.8 % in 2013 to 11.3 % in 2022 , while US ’ s share increased from 26.8 % to 36 %. The fast advances in AI will only heighten this divide . and foment collaboration where possible . The interweaving of industry certifications and microcredentials with curricula and diplomas at secondary , vocational and tertiary education levels must be accelerated . Too often entry-level talent ’ s access to the job market is slowed by the disconnect that exists between the employer down the street , unaware or hesitant as to their digital needs and the student , who struggles to demonstrate skills and competencies acquired succinctly .
In our latest AI Readiness Index Report , we found for European AI talent readiness , intentions outpace abilities , with only 10 % pacesetters , 33 % chasers , 49 % followers and 8 % laggards .
To bridge this gap , it is crucial to increase the velocity with which talent becomes available in the market , from entry-level to the highest level of specialisation . This means doubling down on the traditional paths that have so far been at the core of talent production ( i . e . traditional formal education ) but also investing heavily in the development and recognition of alternative training schemes .
At stake here is our ability to ensure that the Digital Transformation of society and our economy are synonymous with opportunity , prosperity and above all : inclusion . This means that investment in education and training is crucial , both in reskilling to equip the current workforce with AI-related skills , and also in upskilling to ensure that new faces and new perspectives harness the knowledge required to fully participate in transforming our world .
Key to this is making learning , especially for basic level skills , available when and where the learner can best leverage the content in their daily life .
Leaders must push for rapprochement between industry and academia at all levels and encourage
Collaboration between companies , research institutions and industry bodies can also help address common challenges and share best practices , by building out AI knowledge and forecasting shifts in trends . The recent report published by the Al-Enabled
The interweaving of industry certifications and microcredentials with curricula and diplomas at secondary , vocational and tertiary education levels must be accelerated .
ICT Workforce Consortium demonstrates the impact of Generative AI on ICT jobs , for example , will make continuous learning a necessity for many job roles .
With the Digital Decade in full swing , it is essential European decision-makers be proactive connectors between industry and academia , and promoters of innovation in training and skilling . This is core to ensuring the successful adoption and implementation of AI technologies , and an inclusive Digital Transformation for all .
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