It is estimated that over the next three years the UK workforce will require eight million individuals proficient in digital skills to close the current digital skills gap.

Clearly, organisations across the nation must prioritise digital upskilling to safeguard growth plans and remain competitive.

While this is an issue that needs to be addressed at all levels – personal, organisational and societal – it is also one that will benefit from a joined up approach.

Recent research into the digital skills gap found that a lack of upskilling directly impacts business success and wider economic growth, and that vital to addressing the problem is developing a shared understanding of what digital skills are and what the skills gap means in practice.

Additionally, the report found that nearly a quarter (22%) of workers do not receive digital upskilling from their employer. Although the equivalent figure for Edinburgh is lower at 18%, there remains a need to increase understanding of why businesses should focus on upskilling and how to access such training.

Dave Livesey, Club Executive at Club Somerville in Edinburgh, says: “Overcoming any business challenge starts with understanding the nature and scope of the obstacle. To address the Digital Skills Gap, we undertake research to learn from businesses where skills shortages and misunderstanding are within companies.

“Talking through these findings with a panel of leading industry thinkers on 3 November will be a valuable knowledge-sharing exercise for businesses in Edinburgh and beyond.”

Fiona Burton, Club Executive at the recently opened Club Grace in the Scottish capital, adds: “It’s clear that business leaders see their digital ambitions as fundamental to their five year growth plans. These digital ambitions mean technical proficiencies and coding skills, but so much more as well.

“It’s cultivating a culture of learning and innovation that unlocks opportunities for your team, keeping business adaptable for continued success.”

As the end of the year approaches and organisations assess what they can do to increase digital success in 2023, AND Digital invites Scottish business leaders and digital experts to join them for a discussion that aims to bring clarity to the Digital Skills Gap and explore opportunities to address it.

To hear more on the topic that will have a big impact on the future of the digital ecosystem in Scotland, register for the panel event in Edinburgh on 3 November.