In an article last year, I looked at the digital skills agenda that has been on policymakers’ minds for seemingly ever. Based on research from Cisco, I argued that while it’s tempting to fully focus one’s attention on deep tech and other highly sophisticated skills, there can be an even bigger economic boost from looking at more basic skills.

This is because a huge number still lack these skills, and this prevents them from effectively participating in modern society. The UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Digital Skills has recently published its Delivering Digital Britain by 2030 report, which highlights the crucial role digital skills development can play in reducing regional inequality.

Delivering a digital society

“Over the last 12 months, the APPG on Digital Skills has been focusing its work on the importance of digital skills in the workplace in the post-pandemic work,” the report says. “We have heard evidence from figures in national, regional, and local government, key employer organizations, businesses, training providers and campaign groups on the imperative of equipping both our present and future workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The report puts forth 10 recommendations, outlining the following measures:

• Firstly, the government should conduct a thorough analysis of digital skills provision across the country, identifying “cold spots” where individuals are most digitally isolated.
• Secondly, the government must invest more in basic digital infrastructure to ensure universal access to fast and reliable Wi-Fi, as well as facilities to charge electronic devices.
• Thirdly, the government should broaden its digital skills gap programs to encompass individuals of all ages, with a targeted focus on marginalized individuals.
• Fourthly, the government should develop an extensive database of materials and courses that can be accessed by both individuals and organizations to enhance their digital skills and train their staff.
• Fifthly, the government should continue to provide funding for affordable and attractive digital skills courses and qualifications through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement program, with flexibility around individuals’ commitments.
• Sixthly, the government should review means-tested grant funding for community organizations and SMEs, offering additional targeted support and training to those in digital cold spots.
• Seventhly, the government must invest in a comprehensive communication campaign to guide individuals toward the resources and training needed for basic online services like banking and tax payments.
• Eighthly, the government should collaborate with industry to develop creative solutions to bridge the digital skills gap, such as the National Device Bank, which provides refurbished devices to those who need them.
• Ninthly, the government should streamline the provision of digital skills training to offer a comprehensive, all-around approach that enables individuals and organizations to identify areas for development and access opportunities.
• Finally, the government should embed digital skills training across the curriculum at all levels to ensure that future generations are well-equipped for the changing job market.

“Achieving a Digital Britain by 2030, cannot be delivered by one sector alone,” the authors conclude. “It is the responsibility of actors across the public, private and third sectors to work together to find opportunities to close the digital skills gap and ensure people across the UK can flourish in the 21st century.”