Interoperability skills and competencies - the drivers for digital growth in Public Administrations

The implementation of eGovernment in the Public Sector has numerous advantages for government and business sectors. Interoperability is crucial to streamline the digital solutions of public administrations. To enhance the digital transformation and implementation of eGovernment and to contribute to both interoperable cross-border and cross-sector public services, civil servants should possess the necessary required digital skills and competencies to carry out this process. An important milestone for eGovernment services is the establishment of the Interoperability Academy, funded by the ISA2 Programme of the European Commission (EC). Interoperability Academy provides eLearning courses on advanced digital skills with a focus on interoperability. The study on the European Framework for Interoperability Skills and Competences in the public sector (EFISC) defines the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies that can favor interoperability and could support civil servants in increasing their capabilities in relation to interoperability and digital work. However, it remains uncertain whether and how public administrations would be able to integrate the required skills and competencies described in the framework. Hence, this article presents an ongoing research with the aim to propose a methodology for investigating the application and effectiveness of the EFISC framework in public sector via a case study. This practical case study will support civil servants in increasing their digital skills capabilities in relation to interoperability and ensure the high reusability potential of EFISC.