A call to action for the European workforce
We work in a digital age. Regardless of economic sector - retail, automotive, logistics, tourism, manufacturing or telecom- the transformation of industrial processes is upon us. No firm is exempt; big and small companies alike are affected. A highly digitalised and automated workplace is now a reality. It is our responsibility to upskill and prepare for this new era of innovation.
Cloud computing is bringing a technological e-evolution. Amplified by new socio-economic trends we see innovative and dynamic industrial processes emerging. At the same time, Europe must confront fast-paced change and competition from growth-hungry regions. If Europe is to seize the opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation, it must develop a new genre of job profiles.
New job profiles will influence not only information workers and ICT specialists but all knowledge workers. London School of Economics researchers are investigating how job roles will change and how ICT responsibilities will be spread more widely through the economy. Research indicates that cloud computing will result in managerial and organizational changes for business.
To help meet this challenge, Microsoft is incorporating cloud computing in both its eLearning and traditional face-toface trainings that are delivered by more than 800 Microsoft Learning Partners and 4500 IT Academies in Europe. Updated professional IT certifications that include cloud computing will enable technical professionals to maintain pace with industry innovations and new business opportunities.
SMEs are the backbone to the European economy. They need smart capital to be better and faster equipped for the transition to cloud computing. Mr Nigel Gibbons from the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP) comments ‘’We recognise the challenges SMEs have in upskilling to harness the potential of the new cloud computing modus operandi; elevating the professionalism in this new competency’’.
To succeed we require partnerships of scale. Efforts to fine-tune the recently launched European industrial policy, alongside the next cycle of cohesion funds are needed to support organisations embracing the cloud computing transformation. We welcome the focus of the Skills for New Jobs initiative and we stand ready to partner. At a national level, we need incentive schemes to support upskilling and lifelong learning schemes. The success of the new world of work and the employability of the next generation is dependent on the investment we make today.
More information on skills for innovation: www.microsoft.eu/skills
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