The high-level event was organised on 6 May 2014 by SEPE, the European Commission and the Hellenic Presidency of the EU

The Greek Government and ICT industry announced the establishment of a Greek National Coalition for the Digital Economy. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the e-Skills for Jobs 2014 Grand Event. Greece is the sixth EU country to formally launch a national coalition, after Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Malta. Other National Coalitions are being set up in Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovakia and Spain. On 6 May 2014, Michel Barnier, acting Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: “Digital skills are the new literacy: they are essential for employability. I am concerned that the lack of e-skills may be hindering growth in the tech sector and, as a consequence, European innovation and competitiveness. Today’s decision to launch the e-Skills for Jobs campaign is an important step to help prepare young people for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

At the launch reference was made to the report released earlier this year “e-Skills in Europe: measuring Progress and Moving Ahead” (http://eskills-monitor2013.eu/results/) which shows that the trend towards higher-level ICT skills will continue. The main forecast scenario suggests that by 2020 the number of ICT management, architecture and analysis jobs grows by 44% compared to 2011, and related jobs by 16%. Mid-level technician jobs will continue to disappear as a result of automation and productivity gains. Consequently, there is a corresponding need to increase the quality and relevance of e-skills available in the labour market, particularly since the supply of university graduates is not keeping pace. In the scope to the campaign a high-level event will be organised in cooperation with the Italian Presidency of the EU on 30 October 2014 in Rome. Registration will be available early September.

For more information on this event, please contact ti.ce1732528563tinae1732528563noiza1732528563icoss1732528563a@air1732528563eterg1732528563es1732528563