Why Human-Centred Digital Skills Matter More Than Ever
The beginning of the year often brings renewed attention to skills and productivity when thinking about work. In recent years, these conversations have increasingly focused on artificial intelligence. Yet research suggests that the most important question is not how fast AI develops, but how well it remains aligned with human needs.
A growing body of scientific work on Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) argues that AI systems should be designed and implemented with clear purposes and shared values. Studies emphasise three core dimensions: purpose, including augmentation rather than replacement of human work; values such as ethics, safety, and performance; and properties like oversight, explainability, and integrity. Together, these elements aim to ensure that AI supports human welfare rather than undermining it.
These ideas are highly relevant for employability and digital skills development. As AI systems become part of everyday work, digital competence increasingly includes the ability to understand, question, and interact with technology critically. Skills are no longer limited to technical use; they also involve agency, awareness, and informed decision-making.
DIAMOND is a European project that approaches digital skills from this human-centred perspective. By bringing together partners from across Europe, the project focuses on inclusive and practical approaches to digital upskilling that reflect real working environments. Rather than concentrating solely on tools, DIAMOND looks at how people can remain active participants in digital transformation.
An important part of this work is communication and knowledge sharing. Through WP6, DIAMOND ensures that insights, experiences, and results are shared beyond the project partnership. This contributes to a wider European discussion on how digital skills, employability, and inclusion can evolve together.
As the year begins, DIAMOND offers a simple but research-backed reset: digital skills are not only about adapting to technology, but about shaping it in ways that support human understanding, dignity, and opportunity.
