In today’s digital age, possessing basic and advanced digital skills is becoming a crucial factor for competitiveness in the job market and efficient business operations. Accelerated digital transformation brings new challenges but also opportunities, emphasizing the need for developing digital skills, cybersecurity, and data protection. According to the report “Digital Skills: Needs and Opportunities” prepared by UNDP in collaboration with E3, only 22% of Montenegrin citizens are fully digitally literate, indicating that Montenegro has a significant need for improving digital literacy.
Employer Needs in Montenegro
Data from the UNDP report highlight the serious challenges Montenegro faces in the field of digital skills and cybersecurity:
99.4% of companies use computers for business operations, and 100% have internet access, showing a high level of information and communication technology application.
86% of companies outside the ICT sector emphasize the need for support in digital transformation, underlining the necessity for strengthening digital capacities and education.
The unemployment rate of 16.6% in 2021, with 32.5% youth unemployment, further emphasizes the need for digital skills that could positively impact the employment rate.
74.5% of companies in Montenegro believe that employees’ digital skills directly affect business performance. The most commonly cited reasons include faster task resolution, increased efficiency, greater workload capacity, and market competitiveness.
However, 97.3% of companies report difficulties in finding a workforce with sufficient ICT and digital skills.
Digital Literacy and Digital Skills
Digital literacy encompasses a set of skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary for effectively using digital technologies in various contexts, including work, learning, and everyday life. Basic computer skills, internet skills, media literacy, and understanding of online safety and ethics are key elements of digital literacy.
Some of the most sought-after digital skills include:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): According to LinkedIn’s 2023 Emerging Jobs Report, AI and ML-related positions are among the fastest-growing, with an annual demand growth of 74% over the past five years.
Blockchain Technology: Demand for blockchain experts is growing annually by 33%, with a particular emphasis on developing blockchain applications and smart contracts.
Cybersecurity: Cybercrime costs are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, while the global shortage of cybersecurity experts exceeds 3.1 million.
Cloud Computing: Skills related to AWS, Azure, and GCP are growing in demand by 32% annually.
Data Analytics and Data Science: Data analysts and data science experts rank among the top three best jobs in America, with an average annual growth of 37%.
Software and Application Development: Python is the most popular programming language, while JavaScript, Java, C++, and SQL are among the most in demand.
DevOps: DevOps is one of the fastest-growing skills in technology, with a demand growth of 42% annually.
Possessing digital skills is becoming increasingly important in the modern business environment. To increase attractiveness to employers, continuous investment in the development of these skills is essential. Organizations like Women4Cyber Montenegro actively work on raising awareness and education to help individuals acquire the necessary knowledge and become more competitive in the job market. Join our initiatives and let’s create a safer and more technologically advanced future together!
