Niko Schlamberger

President of Slovenian Society Informatika

He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Ljubljana. Most of his career has been in the field of IT and computer science, and his work experience includes programming, systems analysis and development of computer solutions, delivering talks, IT training, consultancy, project management, organisation and execution of national and international conferences, leadership and management, and international cooperation. He has held managerial and executive positions in public and state administration. He has published more than 70 expert papers in the field of IT, organisation and governance, both nationally and internationally. He has served as Vice President of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP), Secretary and President of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS), and Coordinator of the IT Standing Regional Committee (IT STAR).

How to Achieve Digital Competences?

The talk will focus on the Digital Slovenia 2030 (DSI 2030) strategy, published at the beginning of 2023, demonstrating that the state is aware of the importance of digitisation for development in all sectors and society in general. Digitisation can only deliver the expected returns if the population is adequately trained. Based on some estimates, 90% of workplaces in developed countries, of which Slovenia is one, are supported by information technology. The European DESI report ranks us mid-range among the countries of the European Union. Our public institutions generally refer to the eCF, which, however, is but a framework and not a demonstration of digital competences. How then can an employer assess the digital competences of its job applicants or employees? The DSI 2030 addresses a number of areas, with specific reference to digital competences, and this contribution presents how the globally recognised ECDL certificate can be used for this purpose and the success of European countries in doing so. The current offer is grouped into five categories: for the general population, for employed persons, for persons in training, for individual professions and for decision-makers. A special module (Compass) is available for the assessment of digital competences and allows the individual to determine whether his/her digital competences match those required for the profession or activity he/she is engaged in.