Fostering digital business transformation and digital skill development for economic growth and social inclusion in Poland: a preliminary study

Abstract

The digital transformation of an enterprise is an extremely complex issue, which involves modification of the traditional model and business processes through the use of ICT solutions. The transfer of operational activities from the analog to the digital sphere enables new production and distribution methods, better interactions with the customer and the production of digital goods and services. Therefore, digital transformation, as a key issue for enterprises, should play a central role in their development strategy. In the world of artificial intelligence, based on self-learning algorithms and global data flows, appropriate workforce skills are necessary for the effective implementation of a digital strategy. The skill gap, resulting from a lack of proper vision, knowledge, skills and experience, is the main reason for the lack of success in the process of the digital transformation of SMEs. It is also significant with respect to ensuring faster economic growth and the process of social inclusion. The purpose of the study is to outline the importance of the issue of reducing the digital gap, which is one of the important competence gaps for conducting effective digital business transformation at the threshold of the third decade of the 21st century, and to present solutions of systemic support for the development of digital skills in Polish enterprises. The findings of the analysis are as follows: in order to reduce the gap in digital skills, it is necessary to strengthen extensive cooperation within the triple helix, to include public-private partnerships based on coordinated actions undertaken jointly by enterprises, science, and public administration. Science and technology parks (STPs) should play a special role in this respect. However, for this assistance to be effective, it is necessary to prepare the managerial staff for the construction and, above all, implementation of an appropriate support strategy related to STPs for the digital transformation of their tenants.