How to share training and certification tools in Europe? Lessons from the Pix experience - Panel Discussion

Last 16 October 2024 I had the great pleasure of sharing on digital skills traning and certification with some very valuable colleagues from Member States and the European Commision at the All Digital Summit 2024 in Madrid.

Very honoured for having been invited by the PIX team to discuss about lessons learned and the future of digital skills for citizens in Europe. We had a rich conversation where we were able to exchange viewpoints on how to share training and certification tools in Europe and the added value of the European dimension when enhacing digital skills certifications for citizens.

Here you go a summary of my perspective on the topic:

As for the added value of a European dimension in digital skills training and certification, it obviously offers several key benefits. I’m just going to pinpoint 4:

• First, Standardization, Recognition and Interoperability: A shared framework can ensure that certifications are recognized and valued across member states, promoting a more balanced playing field for individuals and businesses.
• Second, Scalability and Efficiency: By pooling resources and expertise, we can develop and implement scalable solutions that reduce costs and improve access to quality training and certification.
• Third, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation: Collaboration at the European level can foster the exchange of best practices, encourage innovation, and drive the development of new tools and methodologies.
• Training: having a European Digital Skills Certificate in the format of a Quality Label should address both the certification of performance levels and set requirements to align training. It is not only important to assess performance levels of digital skills but also to provide a formative framework to guide and promote continuous improvement. However, training and certification, although hand in hand, should be independent or we will end up training only to gain the certification, and having trainers that will end up just being test preparers. That is why it is essential to have a common European framework that offers clear and coherent training and that provides a defined pathway for lifelong learning in the digital domain.

As for the opportunities and challenges in adopting a shared tool like Pix in Europe, considering it as a potential shared tool, I see pros and cons:

Pros:

The PIX approach is an approach based on pedagogy, in terms of the choice of generic competences and the non-separation between initial and continuous training: it is a tool for everyone (students, employees, citizens, teachers, etc.) in a lifelong learning perspective. PIX is based on a gradual and modular assessment model that can be adapted to the needs of all individuals and professionals, interoperable and extrapolated to other contexts. It integrates in the same tool three different services: assessment, development, and certification of digital competences. 

Some PIX highlighted features are:

• Alignment with European Framework: Pix aligns with the Digital Compass, providing a common language and framework for assessing digital skills.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Pix can be adapted to meet the specific needs of different countries, regions and sectors.
• Recognition: As a tested tool, Pix can enhance the international recognition of digital skills assessment, as well as contribute to mobility of individuals.

To successfully adopt a shared tool like Pix, several conditions must be met:

• Strong Political Commitment: Governments must demonstrate a commitment to digital skills development and the benefits of a European approach.
• Investment in Infrastructure: Adequate resources must be allocated to support the implementation, maintenance, and ongoing development of the shared tool.
• Collaboration and Partnership: Effective collaboration between member states, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders is essential.
• Continuous Evaluation and Improvement: A mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the shared tool should be in place to ensure that it remains relevant and responsive to evolving needs.

A European dimension in digital skills training and certification offers significant potential benefits. By carefully considering the pros and cons of shared tools like Pix and addressing the necessary conditions for their adoption, we can create a more interconnected and digitally skilled Europe.

Then, there is the issue of mutualisation, and the EU has certainly a say there:

• European Digital Skills Certificate (EDSC): The EU should play a crucial role in establishing common standards and frameworks for digital skills certification across member states. This would ensure that certifications are comparable, making it easier for individuals to validate their skills internationally.
• Mutual Recognition Agreements: The EU could facilitate the development of mutual recognition agreements between member states, allowing certifications issued in one country to be accepted in others. This would enhance the mobility of skilled workers and promote the digital economy.
• Data Sharing and Collaboration: The EU could encourage member states to share data and best practices related to digital skills certification. This would help identify gaps in skills development and inform policy decisions.

Finally, in terms of national level, Spain is a decentralised country and so regions must be taken into account. Some of them already have their own schemes for the certification of digital skills. Thus, they should play a role when talking about certifying digital skills for citizens across Member States and be actively involved in the process, due to several reasons:

• Regional Expertise and Alignment: The autonomous communities in Spain possess valuable expertise and knowledge in the field of digital skills development. Their involvement is essential for ensuring that any EU-wide framework is aligned with regional needs and priorities.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Mechanisms for collaboration and coordination between the national government and the autonomous communities should be established. Actually, we have already taken part in an EDSC pilot fostered by DG Employment, and led by the Ministry for Digital Transformation in Spain, where regions have been present, with very rich conclusions. Taking into account that in Spain there are at least 6 regional certification schemes already, a common European scheme must consider the regions expertise and collaboration must occur. This would help to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure a coherent approach to digital skills certification.
• Recognition of Regional Certifications: We must explore ways to recognize and validate regional certifications, making them more widely accepted both domestically and internationally. This would help to leverage the existing expertise and infrastructure at the regional level.

In conclusion, by fostering collaboration, standardization, and mutual recognition, we can all play a significant role in supporting the development of a robust and interconnected digital skills ecosystem in Spain and across Europe.