A fully digital education system and a once-stop-shop for entrepreneurs and start-ups were the main demands made by 50 EU students gathered in Brussels for the 7th edition of the EPP Study Visit on 21-22 September, under the title Digital and Entrepreneurial Skills for All: Reaching our Potential Together. The conclusions of the two-day event, which was co-organised by the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions and the European Democrat Students (EDS), will feed into proposals for a new Skills Agenda and will be shared with EU decision-makers.

40 % of EU citizens have no or low digital skills. This is a major cause for concern given that civic duties are rapidly being transferred online and that the digital economy is disrupting almost every walk of life. "Forecasts predict that 90% of all jobs will require some level of digital skills in the near future" Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions, explained. "Local and regional authorities have a strong role to play in ensuring that Europe is sufficiently equipped for a digital future, especially given their competences and responsibilities for schools and educational institutions in many Member States." Rodrigo Ballester, from Commissioner Navracsics' cabinet, agreed underlined the timely debate. "Contact with regions will be crucial." he underlined.

 

Speaking in her capacity as rapporteur for the CoR opinion on the Digital Single Market, Helma Kuhn-Theis noted: "If you want to be part of society, you have to be part of this digital revolution. We need a truly digital environment for school and universities to train the next generation."

 

During the panel debates on the first day, it was more than apparent that the Digital Single Market offers an incredible potential for Europe and young people entering the labour market. "With possible annual gains of over 400 billion euros and hundreds of thousands of new jobs we simply cannot let this opportunity pass us by" Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions underlined. Business representatives from Microsoft and DIGITALEUROPE were also keen to note the vast opportunities for creative, skilled entrepreneurs. "With possibilities in data, cloud computing and the app economy, it’s a superb time to be an entrepreneur" Simon McDermott insisted.

 

Before heading back to their home cities and towns, the students had an opportunity to share their proposals with Siegfried Mureşan, MEP and EPP spokesman. They can be summarised as follows:

 

Europe needs digital champions
    1. Schools and universities need to go digital – the system needs to be reformed
    2. Digital education should be a compulsory part of the curricula – from an early age as possible
    3. Digital tools, such as tablets, apps and online material, should be used across faculties and subjects
    4. Educating teachers should be seen as an investment
    5. Business representatives should be involved in the education system and make visits to classrooms

      Entrepreneurship should not just be for the brave few
    6. A network of entrepreneurs and a mentoring system for start-ups should be created
    7. An EU-led platform on how to get financial support should be created
    8. EU wide competitions for new apps would encourage creative thinking
    9. Mobility of workers, companies and entrepreneurs should be encouraged

      Smarter cities mean smarter citizens
    10. Free wifi should be available everywhere
    11. EU funds should be targeted to ensure high-speed wifi is available in rural areas
    12. The development of digital libraries should be encouraged

 

Concluding the event, Giorgos Chatzigeorgiou, Chairman of the European Democrat Students, said:"The digital revolution is unstoppable. If we combine an entrepreneurial mind-set with strong, digital skills, we can surely achieve a lot."

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