During the 20×30 Advanced Digital Skills Summit, a panel of European experts gathered to explore the evolving landscape of digital skills development. The discussion was moderated by Anne Bajart (Deputy Head of Unit at DG CNECT G2, Interactive Technologies, Digital for Culture and Education). Panel members included Fernando Escóbar Ruiz (Sub-Director General for Citizens, Digital Employment & Talent in Spain), Mojca Štruc (Director General of the Digital Society Directorate at Slovenia’s Ministry of Digital Transformation), Anne Ribault-O’Reilly (Department for Further Education, Higher Education, Science and Innovation in Ireland) and Iris Renoy (Attaché for the digital economy at Belgium’s FPS Economy).

Together, they shared insights into national strategies, collaborative approaches, and the ongoing challenges of building a Europe-wide ecosystem of advanced digital skills. Across national strategies, one message comes through loud and clear: digital skills are the foundation of everything.

As Iris Renoy mentioned, “What are we with a top-notch quantum computer if nobody knows how to use it?”. This simple question captures a shared European understanding: without people who can apply technology in the real economy, even the most advanced infrastructure falls short.

From highly centralised AI hubs to mass upskilling programmes and company-led training, European countries are experimenting with different ways to build what many describe as a “strong inclusive and future ready skills ecosystem.” But while the approaches vary, the challenges are similar.

Four countries, four distinct strategies

Slovenia: centralised AI excellence

Mojca Štruc explained how Slovenia is betting on focus and coordination. Despite having a strong AI research base, the country recognised a weak link: limited uptake in the wider economy.

Its answer is a national AI Competence Centre, designed as a single-entry point for businesses, public services and individuals. The centre focuses on training, labour market analysis and best practices. Getting there was not easy, bringing together ministries, universities and researchers, required a complex and time-intensive process of explanation and trust-building.

Belgium: company-led upskilling

Iris Renoy, highlighted the power of Belgium’s in-company training; rather than relying solely on public programmes, much upskilling happens directly in the workplace.

The numbers tell the story:

• 9 out of 10 large companies provide employee training
• 6 out of 10 medium-sized companies do the same

Spain: scaling skills

Fernando Escóbar Ruiz described Spain’s approach and how it stands out for its scale. Through its National Digital Skills Plan, the country has already:

• Trained over two million people in digital skills
• Developed more than 3,500 advanced cybersecurity specialists

Ireland: rebuilding the ICT talent pipeline

Anne Ribault-O’Reilly illustrated Ireland’s strategy, grew out of crisis. In 2012, a sharp fall in ICT students created severe skills shortages. The government response was to:

• Create new pathways into ICT, including free conversion courses and bootcamps for workforce “returners,” particularly women.
• Implement measures to reduce student dropouts and incentivised universities to expand ICT places.
• Stimulate demand through career guidance and introducing ICT in the national school leaving exam.

Shared challenges beneath different models

Despite their different paths, countries repeatedly run into the same structural issues.

• Effectiveness requires bringing together various stakeholders, yet this is often described as the biggest challenge.
• Aligning government priorities, academic incentives and business needs takes time, trust and persistence.
• Industry involvement is critical, but policymakers note that companies are very quick to highlight perceived shortcomings in existing initiatives, but far less forthcoming when asked to provide concrete input to find solutions.
• Certification enables free movement of people, employees, employers and expertise across borders. However, with countless in-company certificates and emerging micro-credentials, Europe is still struggling when it comes to harmonisation of certificates.
• Digital skills development has no finish line.

With technology evolving relentlessly, countries recognise the need to always be flexible and continue adapting to all the new topics that are upcoming. As Mojca Štruc noted, even where great progress has been made, there is still so much to do on all fronts.

The takeaway

Europe’s digital ambition rests less on technology itself and more on people’s ability to use it meaningfully. Whether through centralised AI hubs, diversified education pathways, mass training programmes or company-led learning, one truth remains constant: digital skills are a continuous effort and in a fast-changing world, staying still is not an option.