Knowledge often too low

Head of AMS Kopf sees need for action on IT skills

The latest "Digital Skills Barometer" (DSB) from the non-partisan fit4internet initiative reveals digital skills gaps in the domestic workforce. "When we look at the data collected, the need for action becomes clear," says AMS CEO Johannes Kopf. We need to "turn more people into digital pioneers so that we as a society and in companies can actively shape digitalization."

It is important for the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) to identify "which skills are required and need to be developed in the various job profiles and company areas", says Kopf. For the barometer, 3600 Austrians between the ages of 16 and 84 who are active in the digital world were surveyed by the market research institute bilendi.

"Digital Skills Barometer 2023": Results for review

According to the "Digital Skills Barometer", the knowledge ("digital stamina") of Austrian employees averages 51 out of 100 points, while the self-assessment ("digital warm-up") is 79 points. According to fit4internet, between 60 and 80 points are recommended for "digital stamina" in order to deal competently with the digital world.

Michael Zettel, head of the consulting firm Accenture Austria, pointed out that many more employees are affected by digitalization than many currently believe. There is a need for action in training, as only 28% of employees surveyed would (completely) agree that their previous training prepared them well enough for the challenges of a digitalized working world.