31-07-2025
The NOVA School of Science and Technology | NOVA FCT has formalized a Regional Skills Partnership for the Lisbon Metropolitan Area under the European Commission’s Pact for Skills initiative.
Through NOVA FCT Executive Education and a network of strategic partners — including companies, social partners, and regional and local authorities — the School is now positioned to maximize the impact of investment in qualification and reskilling initiatives. These efforts aim to meet the challenges posed by rapid technological and digital transformation. Continuous learning, the development of digital skills, and the fostering of an entrepreneurial mindset are, we believe, essential pillars for building a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future.
“We believe that continuous training, the development of digital skills, and the promotion of entrepreneurship are key drivers of regional and national development — fundamental to building a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future,”says Nélia Câmara, Director of NOVA FCT Executive Education.
This partnership is part of the European Skills Agenda, one of the European Union’s flagship actions to promote the upskilling and reskilling of adults.
Recent assessments of Europe’s digital skills landscape reveal significant disparities, with Southern Europe showing a particularly marked digital gap. The Digital Decade — the European Commission’s strategy to digitally transform the EU by 2030 — sets ambitious goals: 80% of EU citizens should have at least basic digital skills, and the Union should reach 20 million ICT specialists by 2030 (Eurostat, 2023).
According to 2023 Eurostat data, only 56% of adults in Portugal have basic digital skills, and just 30% possess skills above the basic level. Furthermore, only 3.6% of employed individuals work as ICT specialists.
Launched in 2020, the Pact for Skills aims to bring together public and private organizations in a shared commitment to investing in the development of key skills required to address the challenges of digital transformation, technological evolution, and the green transition. Signatories benefit from EU support services to amplify the impact of their initiatives.
Reskill professionals aged 45+, promoting their inclusion and employability
Support the digital transformation of SMEs, focusing on leadership training and tailored solutions
Promote the participation of women in science and technology, fostering equal opportunities
Develop entrepreneurship skills among students in technological fields, preparing them to lead innovation
Contribute to a highly qualified workforce, capable of meeting current and future challenges
Learn more about the initiative and its objectives: Pact for Skills – Lisbon Metropolitan Area
In the press
NOVA FCT vai requalificar em competências digitais em parceria com Comissão Europeia, Jornal Económico
