A new partnership to boost digital skills has been set up by European Union associations, companies, organisations, trade unions, universities, training providers and national federations with the support of the European Commission.

This new partnership will make it possible upskilling and reskilling of workers.At the same time it will attract more people to the digital industry.The partnership will help citizens and businesses acquire the necessary digital skills. Skills that will contribute to the achieving the objectives of the digital and green transitions of the European economy. It will focus primarily on improving the skills of the digital partners' workforce. The partners will then develop common objectives. For example, on the number of people to be re-skilled, and will monitor future developments in upskilling and reskilling purposes.

Following commitments to other industrial ecosystems, this new partnership is part of the Pact for Skills, one of the flagship initiatives under the European Skills Agenda. The new partnership will work closely with other existing partnerships in other areas where digital skills play a prominent role. It will seek synergies and cooperation with other existing initiatives (such as the Digital Skills and Digital Jobs Coalition or the European Digital Innovation Hubs network) touse existing best practices and guidelines as inspiration for the Digital SkillsPartnership. The Skills Pact contributes to one of the three EU social objectives set out in the Action Plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights, namely that at least 60% of all adults participate in training every year by 2030.

Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market to boost digital skills

"Digital skills are a cornerstone of the digital and green transitions. It is also crucial for the success of businesses, regardless of size. Under the Pact for Skills, the Digital Ecosystem Skills Partnership will take a leading role in adapting the EU economy to the challenges of the future. It will also inspire others – whether in the digital or any other industrial ecosystem – to turn digital opportunities into successful business models for the benefit of both citizens and businesses."

Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights

"Digital skills are essential for all businesses in the European economy. This partnership will strengthen the digital skills of European workers. It will thus allow them to move into today's ever-changing labour market. I am pleased to see that another skills partnership has been set up under the Pact for Skills. A partnership that will contribute to Europe's competitiveness and social cohesion."