Embracing Technology for Success in Europe's Digital Economy: Overcoming Technology Fear for Progress
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the European Union (EU) finds itself at a critical juncture. According to the 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer, the tech sector remains the most trusted industry, yet the EU faces challenges in harnessing this trust to progress with new digital technologies.
A significant concern is the EU's inability to translate broader support for technological innovation among its consumers into tangible progress. This could result in a formidable headwind for the EU in its digital advancement. To overcome this, the EU should expand access to European education programs that equip students with skills and experience matching the labor market's future needs, such as the Erasmus+'s Digital Opportunity Traineeships.
The need for change is not just confined to the educational sector. Around half of EU adults under the age of 50 believe that their company will disappear in the next decade if it does not implement "deep and fast" change. This sentiment underscores the urgency for transformation.
However, the EU must also work to transform "gloom and doom" into "hope and optimism" regarding new technologies. Research shows that the more Europeans know about algorithms, the more they associate them with benefits rather than problems. This suggests that education and transparency can play a crucial role in shaping public perception.
The EU should embark on a major campaign to help its residents understand the importance of technological innovation to their future. This includes increasing support for existing grass-root initiatives like EU Code Week, which can lead to concrete, long-lasting partnerships between employers, employees, and educators, providing more opportunities for upskilling to professionals.
Moreover, EU policymakers should avoid using language that inflames fear, such as "fourth industrial revolutions," "exponential rates of change," and "unprecedented technological disruptions." Such terms can unnecessarily fuel public anxiety. Instead, the focus should be on the benefits and opportunities that technological advancements bring.
Automation is expected to create more jobs than it will eliminate, a fact that should be emphasized in the EU's communication strategy. The European Commission could initiate information campaigns to raise awareness on how AI is used and debunk myths and fears about it.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. Nearly half of Europeans do not have basic digital skills, but 90 percent of jobs already require at least basic digital skills. This presents an opportunity for the EU to address this skills gap and ensure its workforce is equipped for the digital age.
The downgrading of the importance of STEM, such as making math a non-compulsory subject in high school, and negative discourses towards technology can sow public mistrust in technology and make it harder to attract European workers to STEM fields. To counter this, the EU should encourage member states to mainstream efforts to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in curriculums at the national and local level.
Finally, it's important to note that EU consumers have not turned their back on the use of digital services and online platforms. Finland, for example, has been advocating the importance of an "independently informed public" and "open and inclusive debates" about AI, setting a positive tone for its forthcoming presidency of the EU.
In conclusion, the EU stands at a crossroads in its digital journey. By addressing the skills gap, fostering positive discourse, and educating its citizens about the benefits of technological innovation, the EU can ensure a bright digital future for its citizens.
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