By Roshmita Kanungoe,
Project Manager, Innovation Value Institute at Maynooth University.
As part of the EU-funded DIGIFABS project, the Innovation Value Institute (IVI) at Maynooth University (MU) is leading the skill gap analysis under the investigation work package of the project. This analysis aims to identify higher education students’ current skill levels and educational needs across the EU for digital transformation in the food & beverage industry. By focusing on understanding the gaps in digital competencies essential for the future workforce, IVI plays a critical role in providing insights that will shape targeted specialised training within the project. IVI is a research firm in Maynooth University with a focus on digital transformation and extensive experience collaborating on EU capacity projects.
The rapid pace of digital transformation requires future professionals to possess a broad range of competencies, spanning digital, strategic, and interpersonal skills. This survey seeks to address whether students have developed the essential skills to thrive in such environments, specifically within the context of strategy, organization, culture, technology, resources, and people. It will help ensure that the DigiFABS training for students and businesses is both relevant and responsive to the real-world needs of young professionals preparing to enter digitally-driven industries.
The survey focuses on several core issues essential for preparing students for the demands of digital transformation, including:
- Digital Competency, examining their familiarity with key tools and technologies such as data analytics, project management tools, and software development platforms.
- Strategic and Analytical Skills, including abilities in strategic planning, systems thinking, and critical analysis, which are critical for navigating complex business landscapes.
- Adaptability and Wellbeing, looking at how well students manage change, resilience, and personal wellbeing, all vital in dynamic work environments.
- Collaborative and Communication Skills by examining students’ interpersonal and digital communication capabilities, which are necessary for effective collaboration in digitally connected workplaces.
The survey targets students from five partner institutions across the EU, with approximately 200 students expected to participate, 40 each from the regions of Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Poland and Slovakia. Respondents are further segmented by discipline to represent technology, business, and nutrition/food-related fields. This segmentation allows for tailored analysis to understand skill gaps within each academic background and regional context. In addition, the gap analysis takes into account feedback from over 40 academics and industry experts on critical skills important for digital transformation in the food & beverage industry. The skill gaps are measured by taking into account the importance of skills determined by the experts and the level of skills determined by the students.
The data collection from experts has been completed and the data collection from students is in progress, and results are anticipated by early 2025. This skill gap analysis for the DIGIFABS project marks a significant step in understanding and addressing the educational needs of future professionals in a digital-first world. By identifying areas where students need further development, the project can tailor its curriculum to foster competencies that align with industry demands. This proactive approach will not only enhance students’ readiness for the evolving workforce but also contribute to building a resilient and adaptable talent pool for Europe’s digital economy. Through DIGIFABS, IVI at MU and its partners are paving the way for a brighter, more skill-equipped future.
