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Ministers use new Digital Compass to test different technologies and discuss their strategic contribution to growth

18 July 2016

(From ec.europa.eu)

With the rise of ever more advanced, digital technologies, policy makers and high-level management in both the public and private sectors, need to fully understand the effects and social, economic and regulatory implications brought about by these technologies.

Policy makers need to move from traditional, fixed policy designs, towards more flexible, technology-neutral designs that would allow developing future-proof policies adapted to a changing environment.

The "Digital compass for decision makers: toolkit on disruptive technologies, impact and areas for action" highlights the main attributes of effective digital experiences for high-level policy makers. Hands-on experimentation with advanced technologies helps them better understand the economic and social implications of digital transformation e.g. on applicable legal frameworks, jobs, existing businesses, skills and education. This should inform their reflection on the next steps to take in order to support the uptake advanced technologies and innovative business models.

At the Informal Competitiveness Council on 18 July, ministers of the Member States had the opportunity to use the Digital Compass and test different technologies. This was followed by a discussion of their strategic role in boosting economic growth.

The Digital Compass has been developed by the Strategic Policy Forum on Digital Entrepreneurship which also launched its fourth and final report "Upskilling European industry: New operational tools wanted" in Bratislava. The adoption of new technologies is bringing significant changes to the competencies required for a large share of the workforce. Some functions will disappear. Others will require the incorporation of additional competencies and skills. New functions and job profiles will be created. This report highlights the main challenges related to the digital skills gap and sets out four specific recommendations to boost EU competitiveness and increase workers' employability.  The recommendations of the report fed into the discussions of the Ministers.

The Strategic Policy Forum on Digital Entrepreneurship is a think tank set up by the Commission that brought together thought leaders from business, politics, academia and international organisations.

The Forum has released the following reports:

Compass Strategy Economic growth Information technology Policy Management Public sector Private sector Causality Regulation Technology Tradition Design Flexible electronics Future-proof Environment