Revolutionizing Digital Skills: EIT Digital Launches Innovative (d)Academy in Europe
EIT Digital introduces the (d)Academy, a groundbreaking digital skills platform aimed at tackling the pervasive shortage of digital talent across Europe. Given the staggering statistic that over 75% of EU companies are struggling to find qualified digital professionals—and that only 56% of Europeans aged 16-74 have basic digital skills—the need for such a platform is more urgent than ever. Developed in collaboration with Abodoo, a leader in remote talent-matching, the (d)Academy shifts the paradigm of recruitment towards skills-based job matching. This is a significant departure from traditional resume screening, which often narrows down talent pools unnecessarily.
At the core of its mission, the (d)Academy fosters a culture of lifelong learning, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to the fast-paced, technology-driven future. The platform features modular, industry-aligned courses covering high-demand areas like cybersecurity, data analytics, and machine learning—developed in partnership with over 300 industry leaders. This ensures that learners can continuously upskill and reskill in alignment with the dynamic demands of the job market.
The (d)Academy is powered by a proprietary AI algorithm that analyzes both candidate profiles and available courses. This allows it to identify and match the hard and soft skills necessary for roles in various industries. By enabling learners to select tailored career paths and focus areas, it utilizes a data-driven approach to create personalized learning experiences. Educational partners can integrate their content, leading to better course suggestions, while employers can pinpoint skills gaps in their workforce to align training programs with recruitment needs.
A noteworthy feature of the (d)Academy is the Digital Skills Passport—an innovative mobile application that enables users to showcase their skills and connect directly with potential employers. Users can choose to upload their CV or manually input their skills, work experience, and educational background. The AI component then recommends courses to fill in any skills deficits based on current market needs. This direct connection with employers allows candidates to apply for jobs or even receive invitations from recruiters, ensuring their data is only shared when both parties express mutual interest.
EIT Digital’s CEO, Federico Menna, emphasized the crucial role of this initiative in addressing the digital skills gap, stating, “Addressing the digital skills gap is not just about filling vacancies; it's about securing Europe's future in a tech-driven world. If we do not solve this problem, we risk falling behind in global competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth.” The ambitious target of activating 100 million Skills Passports by 2030 aims to prevent an estimated €11.2 trillion loss of economic potential across 14 G20 nations.
In this regard, Diva Tommei, Chief Innovation and Education Officer at EIT Digital, remarks, “Learning must be accessible, adaptive, and ongoing. Our goal is not only to address today's skills shortage but to instill a culture of lifelong learning across Europe.” The (d)Academy is designed to prepare individuals