Digital development and the PNRR

Developing basic digital skills: the role of the PNRR

The PNRR and the digitisation of the public administration system

The funding provided for in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), approved by the Italian Government in 2021, covers many areas of intervention, including the drive towards the digitalisation of institutions and public administration.

The importance of digital skills in modern society

In particular, I would like to highlight one aspect of this action plan: the strengthening of digital skills among the population. In a world that is increasingly moving towards widespread digitalisation, including in services and everyday activities, it is crucial that citizens acquire solid basic digital skills and awareness of the risks involved in operating in the digital world.

Reskilling and upskilling: two levels of intervention

Specifically, the action plan is structured around two key areas:

• Reskilling: learning new skills, including those related to recent technological developments.
• Upskilling: improving existing knowledge bases.

Particular attention is paid to the most vulnerable sections of the population.

A European objective: digital literacy among key skills

In this regard, it should be noted that the importance of strengthening citizens’ digital skills is reinforced by the support provisions set out in the 2006 ‘Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council’. In fact, digital skills are listed among the eight key competences and are considered essential for personal fulfilment and development, active citizenship, social inclusion, and employment. Consequently, future citizens will inevitably need to possess these skills, which are now deemed necessary for effective everyday functioning.

The project has two measures: Digital Civil Service and Facilitation Centres.

Specifically, the project is divided into two sub-measures, each with its own plan.

1. Digital Civil Service: Training volunteers in digital literacy.

The first consists of the Digital Civil Service, which will train approximately 9,700 volunteers to support and develop ‘digital literacy’ projects. These projects will be run by non-profit associations that are registered with the Register of Universal Civil Service Entities. The volunteers will organise courses, refresher sessions and training for citizens in major urban centres. The ultimate goal is to engage over 1 million citizens by June 2025.

2. Digital Facilitation Centres: physical access points for training.

The second measure involves setting up digital facilitation centres. These physical access points are designed to host face-to-face training courses for citizens. Libraries, schools, and community centres have been identified as potential locations for these centres.

Courses run by ‘digital facilitators’ cover various areas closely linked to everyday activities within the Centres. These include safe internet browsing, online shopping on e-commerce platforms, managing and using online bank accounts, and managing and using digital identities via SPID or the IO app. The initiative plans to activate 3,000 locations by December 2024, with the aim of engaging an audience of at least 2 million citizens.

An inclusive digital future: the challenges and opportunities

These funds undoubtedly play a crucial role in developing the digital skills of future citizens, who will be immersed in a digital reality requiring solid preparation and awareness. It is also important to decide how the funds will be allocated, ensuring they support areas at risk of economic decline. Undoubtedly, we need to focus most on the older segments of the population, just as specific courses and lessons dedicated to exploring these issues in depth are certainly needed in the school environment. Given the numerous potentially risky situations users face daily, it is crucial to establish a robust IT education foundation.

The new digital world presents us with new challenges that require prompt and confident responses, which we can achieve thanks to a good basic education.