The latest update of the digital competence framework, DigComp 3.0, is published today. It provides new features for anyone interested in understanding and identifying digital competence needs, and supporting their development.
This new edition reflects significant technological and societal developments since the previous 2022 version, and embodies the human-centric values of the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade.
Digital skills are more essential than ever: in 2023, only 56% of adults in the EU had basic digital skills, while the spread of AI and new digital opportunities – and risks – increase the need for a shared understanding of what it means to be digitally competent.
In response to these needs, the JRC in collaboration with the European Commission’s department for employment, social affairs and inclusion compiled an update of the European Digital Competence Framework. First developed and published in 2013, the framework is a tool which describes the digital competences people need for learning, working and participating in society. A policy brief which takes a look back at the adoption and use of DigComp over the past decade accompanies the launch of DigComp 3.0.
What’s new in DigComp 3.0?
DigComp 3.0 introduces substantial content developments, including a new set of over 500 learning outcomes – an important policy and practical tool that can be used to help bridge digital skills gaps. These, along with other new features such as an extended Glossary and multipleformats, result in a framework that is relevant, clear and agile.
The revision also includes a systematic integration of AI competence across all areas of digital competence. At the same time, the structure of the framework remains the same, which means that DigComp continues to act as a stable reference point in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
The new edition of the framework has been shaped by the priorities emerging from policy, research and extensive consultation involving around 300 experts and stakeholders from across Europe and beyond. The update integrates five major themes:
- Artificial Intelligence (including generative AI) competence
- Cybersecurity and safety competence
- Digital rights, choice and responsibilities
- Wellbeing and inclusion in digital environments
- Competence to tackle misinformation and disinformation.
A practical tool to support EU policies and digital transformation
The DigComp framework has increasingly become a reference for EU policies related to digital skills. The framework supports the Digital Education Action Plan, the Union of Skills strategy and related Action Plan on basic skills (PDF) , and the Apply AI strategy. It is also the conceptual basis of the Digital Skills Indicator (DSI), used to monitor the level of basic digital skills in Europe through the Digital Decade Policy Programme.
By describing competence in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes, the framework is designed to help policymakers, educators, training providers and employers to develop curricula, assessments, upskilling pathways and sectoral competence profiles. The framework influences and inspires digital skills policies at international and European levels. It is widely used in the EU to help both children and adults, and covers a range of competences, from basic to highly advanced.
As digital technologies continue to evolve, DigComp 3.0 offers a stable yet future-ready and flexible foundation for strengthening digital capacity across Europe. Its publication comes at a critical time: 92% of EU workers now use digital technologies in their jobs, 30% use AI systems, and yet only 15% have received AI training. DigComp 3.0 provides the basis for addressing these gaps in education, lifelong learning, and workforce development.
Background
The European Commission first published DigComp in 2013 and subsequently updated it in 2016, 2017 and 2022. Since its launch, it was translated in 20 of the 24 EU official languages and has become a cornerstone for digital skills development: it was adopted by at least 22 Member States and used as a basis for 27 digital skills certification schemes in 25 countries.
Related content
DigComp 3.0 information leaflet
DigComp 3.0 framework (report)
DigComp Policy Brief: Ten years of DigComp – A framework more essential than ever
Report: Digital Monitoring, Algorithmic Management and the Platformisation of Work in Europe