Rethinking competencies of the European information-communication sector`s workforce in the context of industry 4.0: The case of Slovenia

Abstract

The ICT sector is one of the most important economic sectors in the world and the driving force behind the industry 4.0. On this basis, the paper highlights the significant ways in which industry 4.0 transforms requirements regarding essential competencies of contemporary European ICT sector`s workforce. Stemming from this the author argues that competencies of the workforce in the ICT sector are gradually shifting from strictly technical towards hybrid (i.e. combination of technical and soft). The latter is associated with the fact that industry 4.0 is not only based on technology and creativity of people applying technology, but in addition also on increasing intertwining of ICT sector with other socio-economic sectors, which results in changes of competencies of its workforce. In order to verify the thesis, the case study of Slovenian ICT companies(interviews with representatives) was implemented.