Closing the ICT skills gap is key to building the new economy
An imbalance in the proliferation and use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Europe exists, and addressing it is the key to Europe's strength in the new economy, according to Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Anna Diamantopoulou. Speaking at the e-skills summit in Copenhagen, the Commissioner highlighted those sections of society that are being left behind by the progress of technology, and outlined priorities in trying to fill the skills gap that has been created. 'Internet access has exploded in Europe, from 18 per cent in 2000 to around 40 per cent today [...] but if we look behind the figures we see that the spread has been far from even and that huge gaps persist. Internet penetration is still unevenly distributed across Europe with a clear north-south divide, and high-income earners are three times as likely to have web access.' Ms Diamantopoulou also focussed on the under representation of women in technical jobs and educational courses, saying that these areas are wrongly seen as a male preserve, and that companies and society are consequently losing out on a valuable resource. And whilst nearly all schools are now online, she spoke of the need for more PCs in education, an increased use of the Internet in classroom teaching, and better technical training for teachers. The Commissioner gave details of several programmes currently underway that aim to address these issues. She reminded delegates that the Commission is investing 12 billion euro over six years in the development of lifelong learning strategies to try and confront the 'digital divide'. Measures to promote the mobility of workers within the ICT sector include a system for enhanced recognition of qualifications within the EU, a mobility information website, and the introduction of a European health insurance card to replace the E111 system. Ms Diamantopoulou hopes that such policies will support learning and the development of skills within the e-economy of Europe, regardless of age, sex, origin or ethnic background, but stressed the importance of cooperation in the process: 'All these initiatives rely on partnership. The e-skills and training agenda is a challenge that must be shared by all. Governments, regional and local authorities, employers, trade unions and the individual.'