This study considers the contribution of digital competences in forming the future workforce within the European Union in the context of digital transformation and emerging business models. The research combines bibliometric mapping based on the Web of Science database (visualised using VOSviewer) with data-driven analysis of Eurostat data for 2021, 2023, and 2025. The findings reveal a steady increase in the proportion of individuals with at least basic digital skills (from 56,30% in 2021 to 61,02% in 2025), confirmed by repeated measures ANOVA indicating a statistically significant time effect. Despite overall progress, substantial disparities persist throughout Member States. Western and Northern European countries consistently outperform Eastern and Southern regions, reflecting structural differences in education systems, digital infrastructure, and policy effectiveness. The results highlight that digital competences are strongly associated with labour market adaptability, employability, and the ability to engage with innovative business models. The study contributes to the literature by integrating structural, temporal, and regional perspectives as well as draws attention to the need for targeted policy interventions to reduce the digital divide and support convergence within the EU.
Arany et al. (Thu,) studied this question.