Part II: Europe
Bridging Skills Gaps and Enhancing Profitability

Europe is paving the way for a safe and trustworthy AI future with the first-of-its-kind EU AI Act. This groundbreaking regulation establishes clear guidelines for AI development, ensuring both people and businesses are protected as the continent embraces digital transformation.

In the last blog, we explored Europe’s journey to digital literacy and solutions for overcoming the skills shortage. It’s clear that AI has become a powerful tool for reducing costs and boosting profits, making productivity and financial gains key drivers of AI adoption across Europe.

By now, we all understand that AI can help reduce costs and improve profits. Profit gains and increased productivity are key motivating factors for AI adoption. A few noteworthy statistics from Europe highlight this trend.

81% of managers in Switzerland have saved costs, increased profits, or both thanks to AI.

According to an Ernst & Young survey across nine European countries, Switzerland stands out as an AI success story, showing strong financial benefits and positive employee sentiment. Other countries also shine, with Spain (60%) and Italy (58%) performing well above the European average of 45%. Meanwhile, Austria (35%) as well as the Netherlands and Germany (both 34%), display a more reserved outlook on AI’s impact.

Why Learning and Development is the Key to AI Success

For Europe to maximize AI's potential, companies must continuously equip their employees with relevant, evolving skills. Countries that are fully embracing AI have recognized the critical role of learning and development in building an AI-ready workforce.

Through targeted upskilling initiatives, organizations can close skills gaps, foster innovation, and ensure that employees are prepared to leverage AI’s benefits fully.

In Switzerland, only 36% of employees are satisfied with their AI training, highlighting the need for more robust learning strategies.

• Despite the 2023 European Year of Skills, over 75% of EU companies still need help finding skilled workers.
• Only 37% of European adults regularly engage in training and 40% lack basic digital skills.

To promote lifelong learning, the EU has set key targets:

• By 2030, 60% of adults should engage in annual training, contributing to a 78% employment rate.
• The Digital Decade's aim is that by 2030, 80% of European adults will possess basic digital skills, while creating 20 million ICT specialists.

By fostering this AI-ready workforce, organizations will meet and exceed the evolving demands of the digital era.

Recommendations to Organizations

For AI to thrive in the workplace, organizations must focus on learning and development programs that address the skills gap.

• Prioritize continuous learning and AI upskilling for your workforce.
• Tailor learning solutions to address regional and cultural nuances in AI adoption.
• Align your AI strategy with the EU’s ethical standards for trustworthy AI.

How Ozemio Can Help Upskilling with AI

As the future of work rapidly evolves, building and refining skills is increasingly critical to organizational success. That’s why Ozemio supports companies with practical, strategic solutions for growth by:

1. Upskilling, Reskilling, and Cross-Skilling:

Through our Talent to Potential to Performance (TPP) framework, we identify skills gaps, create targeted development plans, and boost competitiveness. Our approach helps organizations:

• Meet future workforce demands
• Uncover hidden skills within the team
• Enable talent mobility for seamless transitions

Our skills gap analysis, competency development, and performance metrics align with your business goals, ensuring a robust, digitally literate workforce.

2. Thriving with AI:

Ozemio’s custom learning programs equip your team with the AI skills needed to stay competitive and integrate new technologies effectively.

3. Fostering Lifelong Learning:

Ozemio believes in continuous learning for growth. Our programs drive individual development and ensure your workforce is always prepared for what’s next.

4. Building Adaptability and Resilience:

Our learning solutions emphasize adaptability in a fast-changing tech landscape, preparing your employees for ongoing disruptions and ensuring a smooth digital transformation.

Don’t let the AI revolution pass you by. With Ozemio’s expertise and comprehensive talent transformation solutions, your team can ethically and effectively harness AI’s potential.

Conclusion

Organizations must prioritize ongoing skills development and digital literacy to thrive in Europe’s AI-powered future. Ozemio provides the expertise and tailored solutions needed to build an AI-ready workforce, helping companies stay competitive and be leaders in an increasingly digital economy.

Ozemio’s approach involves equipping employees with technical skills and fostering the culture of lifelong learning and resilience so essential for thriving in the AI-driven future.

Are you interested in a future in which your organization confidently leads in an AI-driven world? Let’s partner to create a stronger, more AI-ready tomorrow.