Activity 1
Needs Analysis and Digital Skills Map
Building Stronger Digital Skills for SMEs
Digital transformation requires more than technology: it requires people with the right skills.
As the first step of the DigiBoost Erasmus+ project, partners conducted a comprehensive digital skills assessment among SMEs, entrepreneurs, managers and professionals in Italy, Bulgaria and the Netherlands.
The objective was to understand current digital competences, identify skills gaps and design a targeted training programme aligned with the European DigComp 2.2 framework and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
The assessment provided the foundation for the DigiBoost Digital Skills Map, which guides learners through a structured pathway for developing practical and strategic digital competences.
Why was the Assessment conducted?
Many SMEs actively use digital tools but often struggle to apply them strategically.
The DigiBoost partnership wanted to understand:
- How confident professionals are with digital tools
- Which digital marketing skills are most needed
- How organisations manage online visibility and communication
- What barriers prevent effective digital transformation
- Which training topics can generate the greatest impact
The findings now shape the learning journey that will support participants throughout the project.
Assessment at a Glance
The assessment involved professionals from three partner countries:
ITALY
Participants from cooperatives, social enterprises, training organisations and SMEs operating in sectors such as social services, culture, environmental services, retail, housing, green energy and business support.
BULGARIA
Participants representing IT, digital marketing, finance, tourism, construction, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, retail and creative industries.
NETHERLANDS
Participants from SMEs operating in retail, hospitality, food production and creative sectors.
Participant Profile
- Managers and team coordinators
- Marketing and communication professionals
- Entrepreneurs and SME owners
- Cooperative sector professionals
- Operational staff involved in digital activities
Key Figures
- Total participants: 53
- Female participation: 45%
- Male participation: 55%
- Average age: 38.2 years
- Medium competence level: 58% of participants
Main Findings
The assessment reveals that most participants possess a basic-to-intermediate level of digital competence. While many regularly use social media and common digital tools, the results show important gaps in strategic planning, analytics and digital decision-making.
The average self-assessment score was 2.82 out of 5, highlighting significant opportunities for professional growth.
Target Audience
- SMEs & Private Companies: Business owners, marketing teams, freelancers.
- Women Entrepreneurs & Gender Equality Organizations: Reducing gender gap in tech.
- Digital Professionals & General Public: SEO, content creation, online growth.
- Decision Makers & VET Providers: Trainers, lecturers, consultants.
- Business Associations & Networks: Chambers of commerce, entrepreneurship networks.
- Policy Makers & Public Bodies: Using project results for strategies and policies
DigComp 2.2 Gap Analysis
The analysis was structured according to the five competence areas of the European DigComp 2.2 Framework.
1. Information and Data Literacy
Participants can search for information online but often struggle to evaluate information critically and transform data into actionable insights.
Development Goal: Improve data interpretation and evidence-based decision making.
2. Communication and Collaboration
Most participants use social media and digital communication tools regularly, but communication is often unstructured and lacks strategic planning.
Development Goal: Build audience-focused and goal-oriented communication strategies.
3. Digital Content Creation
Participants can create basic digital content but often without a clear content strategy or marketing objective.
Development Goal: Strengthen storytelling, content planning and content marketing skills.
4. Safety
Digital safety emerged as one of the weakest competence areas.
Development Goal: Increase awareness of cybersecurity, digital identity and data protection.
5. Problem Solving
Participants often face difficulties when selecting digital tools or adapting to new technologies.
Development Goal: Develop confidence, autonomy and innovation skills.
The DigiBoost Digital Skills Map
One of the key outcomes of Activity 1 is the creation of the DigiBoost Digital Skills Map.
The map provides a visual representation of competence development across the five DigComp areas. Using a clear “From – To” approach, the map illustrates:
- Current competence levels
- Desired competence levels
- Learning priorities
- Development pathways
The Digital Skills Map serves as both an assessment tool and a roadmap for continuous professional development.
Download the Digital Skills Maps
Download the Digital Skills Map and discover the competences needed to improve your digital communication, online visibility and business growth.
About DigiBoost Erasmus+
DigiBoost Erasmus+ supports SMEs, entrepreneurs and professionals in strengthening digital competences through innovative training, practical learning experiences and European cooperation.
The project promotes digital inclusion, lifelong learning and the adoption of effective digital marketing, SEO and content creation strategies to improve competitiveness and sustainable growth.