One third of SMEs cannot meet their digital skill requirements. The problem applies not just to basic digital skills, such as the use of standard software and digital devices, but also to advanced skills such as programming and statistical data analysis. Most SMEs attempt to build digital skills through further training. But short training measures with often limited skill-building effects predominate. More intensive training is hampered primarily by financial barriers. One third of SMEs describe the direct costs as a problem, while one quarter are challenged by employees’ absence from work. Digital learning formats enable more flexible learning, so they have the potential to stimulate further training in small and medium-sized enterprises.
The role of small and medium-sized enterprises in development: What can be learned from the German experience?
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role for development. Of importance are Schumpeterian SMEs, which include start-ups that trigger innovation, boost productivity and bring about structural change. Normal SMEs, which only adjust to market pressure, are also important for development and employment. Germany is a role model for SMEs. This is due to several important factors: Germany's local banking system, which is not profit oriented (made up of Sparkassen, or savings banks); the dual vocational system, with its combination of practical and theoretical education; the high social capital of strong employers' associations and trade unions; government support of SME clusters and a big, government-owned development bank (the KfW). SMEs in developing countries typically suffer from limited access to long-term and affordable finance, insufficient institutions for developing a skilled class of entrepreneurs and workers, a low income, and poor policies to support economic and social upgrading of SMEs. Economic upgrading in developing countries is necessary, but it will not be successful without social upgrading. Germany - with its high social capital within the framework of a social market economy, its financial and education system, and its government support for SMEs - can stimulate debates about SMEs in developing countries.
Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Trends and Future Perspectives for Sustainability and Digitalization in Germany | MDPI
The objective of this research was to provide a review of the state-of-the-art literature related to sustainability and digitalization in SMEs to identify current trends and future perspectives within this vital sector.
Shaping Europe’s digital future
The Digital Strategy website provides updates and resources on EU policies key to the digital transformation.
Digitalisation in Europe – 2025 edition - Interactive publications - Eurostat
Digital technologies are transforming the world we live and work in. They touch many different aspects of our lives, from everyday tasks like making phone calls and shopping to how businesses and public services operate. Digital transformation is one of the key priorities for the EU. The digital decade initiative sets out the EU targets that will guide digital transformation until 2030.
Digitalisation in Europe – 2025 edition - Interactive publications - Eurostat
Digital technologies are transforming the world we live and work in. They touch many different aspects of our lives, from everyday tasks like making phone calls and shopping to how businesses and public services operate. Digital transformation is one of the key priorities for the EU. The digital decade initiative sets out the EU targets that will guide digital transformation until 2030.
Academia: What Was "Digital Literacy"?
Short Shelf Lives Make For Bad Curricular Planning
QuSpin Technology Takes Brain Scanning to the Next Level | Seed
NIH's SEED Fund: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Plus entrepreneurial and product development support for academic and small business innovators
Advancing Women & Technology: Empowering Futures Through Digital Skills: 2025: News and Resources: About Us: Center of Excellence for Women & Technology: Indiana University Bloomington
In today’s fast-paced digital world, technology isn’t just a career path-it’s a compelling tool for empowerment.
Jai Djwa – Strategist and Principal
Thanks for visiting. Are you seeking help with user experience, or the digital presence of your arts or non-profit organization? Maybe trying to figure out the next steps in your digital strategy? I am a user experience expert, digital strategist and creative technologist. If you need support in digital and want to know what you should be doing, I can help.
The Future of Money: How the Digital Revolution Is Tran…
A cutting-edge look at how accelerating financial chang…
100% Utilization
Since the end of the Second World War, we have come to expect continual growth in computing power and the rapid development of digital technology. This dynam...
Why Hasn’t AI Made Work Easier? - Cal Newport
I’ve been studying the intersection of digital technology and office work for quite some time. (I find it hard to believe that my book, Deep ... Read more
The Oxymoron of “Data-Driven Innovation”
Once upon a time, in the dawn of the internet era, web products came from college dudes. The dudes were almost always wealthy and well-connected, but they weren’t usually market-savvy. These …
svelte-skills/plugins/frontend/skills/pixel-perfect/SKILL.md at main · fubits1/svelte-skills
Contribute to fubits1/svelte-skills development by creating an account on GitHub.
Young Graduates Face the Grimmest Job Market in Years
Artificial intelligence could reshape work, but for now a low-hire, low-fire labor market is the main impediment for young people seeking employment.
Notes from my Beginner Computer Literacy Class Part 1 - Alex’s Writing Journal
Helping the uninitiated navigate this brave new digital world