Europe is at a pivotal point in its digital transformation, with rapid advances in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and data analytics creating an urgent need for highly skilled digital talent.
This space offers a clear view of how Europe’s workforce is evolving, where key skills gaps are emerging, and how the EU is responding.
We turned millions of data points into actionable insights, supporting policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and researchers in addressing one of Europe’s most pressing challenges.
THE GOAL VS THE REALITY
ICT specialist employed by 2030
The Digital Decade Policy Programme (DDPP) has set an ambitious goal:
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If current trends continue, the EU will reach just 12.2 million, leaving a shortfall of 7.8 million specialists.
This gap threatens:
Europe’s economic competitiveness
The continent’s capacity to deploy AI and emerging technologies
Progress on green and digital transitions
WHERE EUROPE STANDS TODAY
By 2035, Europe will need 1.7 million additional ICT professionals and technicians
New entrants must be trained or recruited including replacement needs (retirement, mobility)
ICT specialists are women
EUROPE’S INVESTMENT IN ADVANCED DIGITAL SKILLS
To close the talent gap, the European Union has invested heavily through Strategic Objective 4 (SO4) of the Digital Europe Programme.
Initiatives active between 2022–2029
AI
Cybersecurity
HPC
Cloud
Data