Strategy for Digital Competencies Austria
June 2023
Strategies and Action Plans
Author: The Federal Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with other key ministries, including the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, the Federal Ministry of Labor and Economy, and the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service, and Sport.
The Strategy for Digital Competencies Austria (Digitale Kompetenzen Österreich) primary goals are to address gaps in digital competencies, enhance the digital literacy of specific groups, and foster IT talent. The strategy, part of the broader ‘Digital Competence Offensive,’ was developed collaboratively with more than 500 experts from over 80 institutions.
The vision is centered on fostering a responsible digital society where individuals can independently navigate and leverage digital technologies across various aspects of life. It aims to ensure that the entire population possesses a high level of digital competence. The state plays a pivotal role in providing and continuously improving the necessary conditions and resources to support this goal.
The objectives of the strategy are to ensure that by 2030, all citizens will have fundamental digital skills. It also aims to increase the proportion of IT professionals, with a focus on gender balance, to meet the growing demands of the economy. Another critical objective is the implementation of a National Framework for Digital Competencies, making these skills measurable and comparable across sectors.
The strategy’s pillars include fostering collaboration across ministries, institutions, and stakeholders to develop targeted digital competencies for everyday life, work, and interaction with government services. This collaboration is based on evidence-driven decision-making, impact assessments, and best practices. By building a shared framework for digital competencies, the strategy enhances transparency and ensures that education and training initiatives are aligned with national standards.