The level of digitization in Slovakia is growing more slowly than in the rest of the EU
The level of digitization in Slovakia is growing more slowly than in the rest of the EU.
This was stated by Martin Hošták, Secretary of the Employers of the Republican Union (RÚZ), in connection with the meetings of employers (associated in RÚZ), representatives of trade unions, government representatives and the European Parliament.
They discussed the current state of Slovakia’s digital competitiveness, but also the real possibilities of supplementing the framework agreement of the European social partners in the field of digitization.
Up to 50th place
According to RÚZ, Slovakia was ranked 50th in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (IMD), which examines digital progress in 63 countries, last year. According to Mário Lelovský, 1st Vice President of RÚZ and IT Association of Slovakia (ITAS), the reasons are clear, namely inflexible regulatory and labor law legislation, almost zero state support and an education system that does not reflect the needs of the labor market.
“On the one hand, current education brings graduates who cannot be used on the labor market, but at the same time Slovakia is also failing in the field of lifelong learning. In our country, only about 3.5% of adults participate in it, which is woefully few. For comparison – the average of European countries is 12% and the Union’s requirement is that the countries reach up to 35% by 2030, “Lelovský pointed out.
Social dialogue
According to the Regional Office, employers as well as employees are in the same boat, and if the changes are not adjusted, many jobs will be lost. “There is a lack of social dialogue in this area. Employers are currently struggling with how to ensure the digital transformation of production and internal processes, as this is a necessary condition for their survival. Employees are also part of these changes, the best way to prevent job loss is to increase the qualifications of employees. Trade unions and the state would therefore have to be active partners, to enable this need to increase qualifications for all, “said Lelovský.
The employers’ association in RÚZ wants to discuss the support and development of lifelong learning for employees with government representatives at the next meetings of the Economic and Social Council. “The digital revolution is here. We do not have room for a lengthy discussion of theoretical strategies on how to proceed. We need to start immediately and together to prove existing existing jobs and maintain competitive domestic enterprises,” Lelovský added.