The European Commission and EASME took the initiative to analyse and support SMEs’ skills development for Big Data, Internet of Things and Cybersecurity. This initiative is managed by a consortium of Capgemini Consulting, Technopolis Group and the European DIGITAL SME Alliance. Together with SMEs and other stakeholders, we will develop a vision, identify support measures, prepare a roadmap and design a monitoring mechanism. The aim is to contribute to strengthening SMEs’ workforce adaptability and capacity for the short to medium term.
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Supporting digital skills development in SMEs in Europe
The digital revolution is about large tech companies but, especially, about start-ups and SMEs that provide or use digital solutions. SMEs compose approximately 95% of the economy in Europe. The variety of SMEs is huge, from innovative and fast-growing companies that provide or use digital solutions, to SMEs that face challenges such as finding the time, financial resources and skills to benefit from digital technologies. Addressing these challenges, by SMEs and their partners, will allow SMEs to continue to push the European economy forward. For the further information.
Objectives
The main objective of this initiative is to research, identify, design, test and validate specific measures supporting specialised skills development related to Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT) and Cybersecurity for small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe
The activities are performed with a view to supporting the goals set out in the new Skills Agenda for Europe, especially in the blueprint for sectoral cooperation on skills. Special attention will be devoted to building synergy with activities stemming from the European Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition
The work is based on a demand-led, pragmatic and results-oriented approach with a view to proposing concrete measures and solutions. This includes the creation of a toolbox with tailored solutions for SMEs. We will target IT professionals, advanced users and managers in SMEs that already apply Big Data and IoT in their organisations and value chains
An important and related challenge is to ensure Cybersecurity, while providing or using Big Data and IoT. The emphasis of our initiative is on relevant measures targeting SMEs that seek to identify and address skills gaps. The results of the initiative should contribute to strengthening SMEs’ workforce adaptability and capacity for the short to medium term
The sub goals of this initiative are:
Designing a shared vision for skills development for SMEs on Big Data, Internet of Things and Cybersecurity for the coming years until 2023
Implementing that vision by means of a toolbox, supporting measures and a roadmap to support countries in the implementation. The toolbox will consist of a self-assessment tool, recommendations for their way forward (e.g. training programs) and best practices from other organisations
Creating a monitoring mechanism to track progress of the implementation in the coming years until 2023
Actions
Close collaboration with SME communities throughout Europe is key to deliver a vision, toolbox and roadmap that is practically usable for SMEs and will help them forward. To reach the goals of this initiative, we will perform the following activities:
- In-depth interviews with 50+ key experts (first round February – June 2018, second round May 2019)
- Online surveys addressing 150+ stakeholders from SMEs throughout Europe (first round February – June 2018, second round May 2019)
- Interim report (January 2019)
- Conference (November 2019)
- Final report (December 2019)
Actions
Close collaboration with SME communities throughout Europe is key to deliver a vision, toolbox and roadmap that is practically usable for SMEs and will help them forward. To reach the goals of this initiative, we will perform the following activities:
- In-depth interviews with 50+ key experts (first round February – June 2018, second round May 2019)
- Online surveys addressing 150+ stakeholders from SMEs throughout Europe (first round February – June 2018, second round May 2019)
- Interim report (January 2019)
- Conference (November 2019)
- Final report (December 2019)
The aim of this initiative is to support SMEs in leading or keeping up with the digital transformation. Your expertise and experience are vitally important. Are you an IT professional, advanced user or manager in an SME who made a start in applying Big Data and IoT, while addressing Cybersecurity challenges? Or are you preparing these steps? You can help by participating in our survey, an interview, or one of our workshops.
Please contact info@skills.digitalsme.eu for more information and for regular news updates.
