Introduction

In the fast-paced Digital Age, the ability to meaningfully navigate and effectively utilize digital tools, platforms, and solutions effectively is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Digital competence encompasses a wide range of skills essential for success in today’s job market. My aim is to share some insights of how digital competence can be best put to good use and how to identify these skills when hiring a staff. Additionally, I wish to underscore the importance of integrating these competencies into educational curricula to prepare future professionals.

A January 2024 World Economic Forum’s (WEF) report on the Rise of Global Digital Jobs highlights the importance of digital skills in today’s interconnected world. As jobs that can be executed remotely become increasingly common, the ability to work from anywhere is reshaping the job market. This shift presents a significant opportunity to harness global talent, enabling employers to expand their recruitment pools and countries to enhance their economic output.

As technology and digital accessibility continue to advance, the ability to work from anywhere is transforming the nature of work globally. This new paradigm, defined as “jobs that can be distributed across borders in different geographies,” allows tasks to be performed and communication and collaboration to occur through digital tools. Understanding this evolving nature of work and creating effective strategies are essential for the Philippines to compete in the global digital economy. Leveraging these insights can help develop policies, practices and strategies that ensure the workforce is prepared for the future, thereby driving national growth and competitiveness.

The Importance of Learning Digital Skills

The lessons learned from the shift to remote work during the pandemic provide valuable insights into the impact of relocating work on labor costs, working arrangements, and innovation. Factors such as population density, sex, and age are inherently linked with the makeup of the remote workforce and will likely influence the composition of a digital workforce. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies that maximize the benefits of a distributed workforce.

For the Philippines to remain competitive in the global digital economy, it is essential to develop a workforce that is proficient in digital skills. By equipping workers with these skills, the country can attract and retain global talent, enhancing its economic competitiveness.

Aside from the necessary infrastructure, which includes reliable internet connectivity, access to digital tools, and platforms that facilitate remote work, investments in educational and vocational training programs are crucial for equipping workers with the skills needed for emerging job opportunities. By integrating digital competence into school curricula and offering targeted training programs, the Philippines can prepare the growing workforce for the demands of the Digital Age. This approach ensures that workers and professionals alike are not only technically proficient but also adaptable to new technologies and work environments.

The rise of global digital jobs underscores the importance of learning digital skills in today’s interconnected world. By understanding the evolving nature of work and implementing effective strategies, the Philippines can enhance its competitiveness in the global digital economy. Learning digital skills is not just about staying relevant; it is also about seizing opportunities to drive national growth and competitiveness in a rapidly changing world.

Understanding Digital Competence

Digital competence refers to the capability to use digital technologies confidently, critically, and creatively to achieve goals related to work, learning, and participation in society. It involves a blend of technical abilities, cognitive skills, and social aptitudes. For employers, hiring staff with robust digital competencies ensures a competitive edge in the market. For educational institutions, embedding these skills in their programs is crucial for equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in a digital-first world.

Here are the ten concrete uses of digital skills particularly in utilizing digital applications, platforms, systems and solutions that I believe every Filipino applicant should possess at varying levels.

1. Communicate

Effective communication using digital tools, platforms, and solutions is foundational in the Digital Age. Employees should be proficient in various forms of digital communication, including emails, instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media. This ensures clear, concise, and timely information exchange.

Possessing the ability to communicate using digital tools, platforms, and solutions is crucial in today’s interconnected world. Effective digital communication enables seamless collaboration, enhances productivity, and ensures clarity in information exchange. For instance, using video conferencing tools facilitates real-time discussions and decision-making among team members across different locations. Additionally, there are many platforms that help streamline project management and communication, allowing teams to stay organized and focused. Social media channels enable professionals to network and share industry insights, fostering professional growth and opportunities. Mastering these digital communication tools not only improves individual efficiency but also contributes to the overall success and agility of an organization in a fast-paced digital environment.

Platforms: Email (Gmail, Outlook), Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Viber), Video Conferencing Tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams)

2. Connect

Connecting through digital tools is essential for networking and building professional relationships. This skill enables individuals to build and maintain professional networks, collaborate across geographical boundaries, and access a wealth of information and resources. For example, using platforms allows professionals to connect with industry leaders, join relevant groups, and stay updated on the latest trends and job opportunities. Similarly, there are digital tools which facilitate seamless communication and collaboration within teams, regardless of their location, enhancing productivity and fostering a sense of community. These connections are vital for career growth, continuous learning, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Platforms: Social Media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), Networking Apps (LinkedIn, Meetup), Professional Forums (Reddit, Quora)

3. Create

Creativity is a key component of digital competence. Employees need to create innovative content using digital tools, whether it is writing articles, producing videos, designing graphics, or developing software. This skill requires both technical proficiency and creative thinking.

The ability to create creatively with digital tools, platforms, and solutions is essential in today’s digital economy as it drives innovation and problem-solving. For instance, graphic designers using software can produce visually compelling marketing materials that capture audience attention and enhance brand identity. Similarly, content creators leveraging platforms can craft engaging videos that resonate with viewers and build strong online communities. In software development, programmers using collaborative coding tools can develop innovative applications that address real-world challenges. This creative use of digital tools not only enhances productivity but also opens new avenues for business growth and personal expression, making it a critical skill in the modern workforce.

Platforms: Graphic Design (Adobe Photoshop, Canva), Video Editing (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro), Content Creation (WordPress, Medium)

4. Co-create

Co-creation involves collaborating with others across the globe using digital platforms. This could be through shared documents, project management tools, or collaborative design software. Employees should be comfortable working in virtual teams, integrating diverse perspectives, and co-developing solutions.

In today’s interconnected world, the ability to co-create with others globally using digital tools, platforms, and solutions is crucial for fostering innovation, enhancing problem-solving capabilities, and driving inclusive growth. This skill enables diverse teams to collaborate seamlessly across geographical boundaries, leveraging a wide range of perspectives and expertise to develop more comprehensive and creative solutions. It also facilitates the efficient sharing of resources, knowledge, and best practices, which can accelerate progress and adaptation in rapidly changing environments. By mastering this skill, individuals and organizations can harness the full potential of global collaboration to address complex challenges and create a more connected, equitable, and resilient future.

Platforms: Collaborative Tools (Google Docs, Miro), Project Management (Asana, Trello), Cloud Storage (Dropbox, Google Drive)

5. Complement

Complementing others’ tasks using digital tools means enhancing team productivity and efficiency. Employees should be able to support colleagues by leveraging digital tools to streamline processes, share knowledge, and offer technical assistance.

Having the skill to complement others’ tasks with digital tools, platforms, and solutions is crucial in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world. This ability enhances collaboration, efficiency, and productivity by enabling seamless communication, streamlining workflows, and automating repetitive tasks. It allows teams to leverage the full potential of modern technology, leading to more innovative solutions and better decision-making. Moreover, it ensures that organizations stay competitive and adaptable in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and digital literacy among employees.

Platforms: Task Management (Trello, Microsoft Planner), Time Tracking (Toggl, Clockify), File Sharing (WeTransfer, OneDrive)

6. Craft

Crafting ideas and strategies using digital tools involves strategic thinking and planning. Employees should be skilled in using digital tools for brainstorming, project planning, and strategic development. This includes creating detailed digital presentations, project roadmaps, and action plans.

Having the skill to craft ideas, relevant solutions, and corporate strategies with digital tools, platforms, and solutions is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. This ability enables individuals and organizations to leverage digital innovations to solve complex problems, enhance productivity, and drive competitive advantage. It facilitates data-driven decision-making, fosters creativity and collaboration, and allows for the efficient implementation of strategies that are aligned with current market trends and customer needs. Furthermore, it empowers businesses to adapt quickly to changes, ensuring they remain agile and resilient in a dynamic environment, ultimately leading to sustainable growth and success.

Platforms: Mind Mapping (MindMeister, XMind), Strategic Planning (Miro, Lucidchart), Presentation Tools (Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi)

7. Collaborate

Collaboration in teams using digital tools is critical for achieving collective goals. Employees need to effectively use collaborative platforms to manage projects, communicate with team members, and track progress.

In today’s fast-paced digital age, the ability to collaborate effectively and efficiently in teams using digital tools, platforms, and solutions is essential for achieving organizational success and fostering innovation. These skills enable teams to communicate seamlessly, manage projects efficiently, and access real-time data and resources, regardless of geographical locations. Effective digital collaboration enhances productivity, accelerates decision-making processes, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. By leveraging digital tools, teams can overcome traditional barriers to collaboration, ensuring that they can work cohesively towards common goals, respond swiftly to challenges, and capitalize on emerging opportunities in a competitive landscape.

Platforms: Team Collaboration (Slack, Microsoft Teams), Collaborative Workspaces (Notion, Confluence), Video Conferencing (Zoom, WebEx)

8. Commercialize

Commercializing or monetizing ideas and content using digital tools involves understanding digital marketing, e-commerce, and online business models. Employees should be capable of leveraging digital platforms to promote products, generate sales, and drive business growth.

The ability to commercialize or monetize ideas using digital tools, platforms, and solutions is crucial in today’s technology-driven world as it enables individuals and businesses to transform innovative concepts into profitable ventures. This skill enhances market reach and efficiency, allowing for the rapid development, scaling, and distribution of products and services. By leveraging digital platforms, entrepreneurs can access global markets, reduce overhead costs, and employ data-driven strategies to optimize their offerings. Additionally, this capability fosters a competitive edge, driving economic growth and fostering innovation by continually evolving to meet consumer demands and market trends.

Platforms: E-commerce (Shopify, WooCommerce), Digital Marketing (Google Ads, Facebook Ads), Crowdfunding (Kickstarter, Indiegogo)

9. Customize

Customization according to the needs of clients using digital tools means tailoring solutions to meet specific requirements. This skill involves personalizing digital experiences, whether through customized software, targeted digital marketing, or bespoke digital services.

This ability ensures that services and products are tailored to meet specific client requirements, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Customization enables businesses to address unique challenges and leverage opportunities effectively, providing a competitive edge. Moreover, it allows for the optimization of digital resources, leading to more efficient and effective solutions that align with clients’ goals and expectations. In an era where personalization is key, the capability to customize ensures relevance, engagement, and success in client relationships.

Platforms: Customer Relationship Management (Salesforce, HubSpot), Custom Development (WordPress, Wix), Personalized Marketing (Mailchimp, Sendinblue)

10. Comply

Compliance with deadlines and requirements using digital tools is essential for maintaining productivity and meeting organizational goals. Employees should be adept at using digital tools to manage time, track deadlines, and ensure that tasks are completed accurately and on time.

The ability to comply with deadlines and requirements using digital tools, platforms, and solutions is essential in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. It ensures efficient and effective project management, enabling individuals and organizations to meet their goals and deliverables on time. This skill enhances productivity by streamlining workflows, reducing manual errors, and facilitating real-time communication and collaboration. Moreover, it fosters accountability and reliability, as digital tools often provide tracking and reporting features that help monitor progress and adherence to schedules. Ultimately, mastering this skill can lead to improved performance, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage in the digital economy.

Platforms: Project Management (Asana, Monday.com), Calendar Tools (Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook), Reminder Apps (Todoist, Any.do)

The “10 Cs of Digital Skills” provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and acquiring the essential skills needed in today’s digital landscape.

For employers in the Philippines, identifying these competencies in potential hires is crucial to ensuring that the workforce is well-equipped to handle the demands of the digital age. With the country’s growing focus on digital transformation and the government’s initiatives to promote a digitally literate society, it is imperative that employees possess not only basic digital skills but also advanced competencies that can drive innovation and efficiency. Recognizing and nurturing these skills in the hiring process enables organizations to build a resilient and competitive workforce capable of leveraging digital tools to improve processes, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to national economic growth. Moreover, a digitally proficient workforce can better adapt to global market trends, making the Philippines more attractive to international investors and helping local businesses thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

For educational institutions in the Philippines, integrating these skills into curricula is vital for preparing students to become digitally competent professionals, especially considering the challenges posed by the current quality of education. The disparity in educational resources and the quality of instruction often leaves students underprepared for the demands of the modern workforce. By embedding digital skills into the curriculum, schools can bridge this gap, ensuring that students are not only familiar with technology but also adept at using it to solve real-world problems. This integration is crucial for leveling the playing field and providing all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, with the tools they need to succeed in a digitally-driven economy. Enhancing the digital competence of students can significantly contribute to the nation’s overall progress, enabling a more inclusive and competitive workforce that can thrive in a globalized world.

Applicants today have the tendency to believe that merely possessing digital skills gives them an advantage in the job market. However, companies must look beyond the mere presence of these skills and assess how effectively they are utilized. The use of these skills is a very important factor for success, as it is not enough to simply know how to operate digital tools. It is crucial to understand how to apply them strategically to solve problems, improve processes, and drive innovation.

As part of my two decades of journey as a country digital advocate, I have observed a recurring pattern where technology itself often becomes the primary focus of digital transformation initiatives, rather than the practical use cases it should address. This approach leads to a scenario where merely possessing digital skills is seen as the ultimate goal, overshadowing the importance of using these skills to solve real-world problems. While technology and digital competencies are undeniably crucial, their true value lies in their application. The emphasis should be on how these tools and skills can drive meaningful change, enhance efficiency, and create innovative solutions to existing challenges. Successful digital transformation requires a shift in mindset, prioritizing problem-solving and the strategic use of technology over the technology itself. This approach ensures that digital advancements lead to tangible benefits, improving lives and driving progress across various sectors.

Digital transformation should prioritize understanding specific challenges and then deploying technology to address them in innovative and efficient ways. By focusing on problem-solving and the strategic application of digital skills, we can ensure that technological advancements genuinely contribute to improving processes, enhancing services, and driving societal progress. This perspective shifts the narrative from technology as an end in itself to technology as an enabler of meaningful change and development.

Educational institutions play a vital role in this by ensuring that their curricula not only cover the technical aspects of digital skills but also emphasize their practical application in real-world scenarios. By fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, educational programs can elevate these skills to a level where they become truly valuable assets in the workplace. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not just technically proficient but also capable of leveraging their digital expertise to contribute meaningfully to their organizations, thereby achieving greater success.

Therefore, in hiring, the question should no longers be – “do you have digital skills? Instead –

1. Are you able to communicate using digital tools, platforms, and solutions?
2. Are you able to connect through digital tools, platforms, and solutions?
3. Are you able to create creatively with digital tools, platforms, and solutions?
4. Are you able to co-create with others around the world using digital tools, platforms, and solutions?
5. Are you able to complement others’ tasks with digital tools, platforms, and solutions?
6. Are you able to craft ideas and strategies with digital tools, platforms, and solutions?
7. Are you able to collaborate in teams using digital tools, platforms, and solutions?
8. Are you able to commercialize or monetize ideas using digital tools, platforms, and solutions?
9. Are you able to customize according to the needs of clients using digital tools, platforms, and solutions?
10. Are you able to comply with deadlines and requirements using digital tools, platforms, and solutions?

By fostering digital competence, we can build a workforce that not only excels in using digital tools but also drives innovation, collaboration, and progress. Whether you are an employer seeking the right talent or an educator shaping the future of digital education, the 10 Cs of Digital Skills can serve as a simple but valuable guide to finding the right talent.