Analysis of digitalization referred to in strategic policy documents in the lifelong education context
2020
Pelse, M., Latvia Univ. of Life Sciences and Technologies, Jelgava (Latvia) | Lescevica, M., Vidzeme Univ. of Applied Sciences, Valmiera (Latvia)
Previous research studies on digitalization as an important driver of development has been largely discussed in the context of entrepreneurship, determining its effects on economic growth. Over the past decade, the role of digitalization in public administration – in providing quality and user-friendly services – has been stressed, with less emphasis being placed on its importance in strategic planning. The driving force of change is digital transformation, which requires digital skills and knowledge. The digital literacy of European Union residents has improved, yet in seven EU Member States it was rated as low or very low. Lifelong education helps to deal with this problem, and it has become a necessity for the entire society. The aim of the present research is to determine the role of digitalization in strategic policy documents in the context of lifelong education. The paper analysed the National Development Plan of Latvia 2021–2027 (final version), the Digital Agenda 2020 for Estonia and the Progress Strategy “Lithuania 2030”. The mentioned strategic documents have set a number of goals and objectives directly relating to the implementation of digitalization in order to facilitate the work of society, enterprises and public administration. The policy documents refer to digitalization in lifelong education as mostly a communication and information tool requiring adequate digital skills to be provided by educational institutions. The research employed the monographic, content analysis and descriptive methods. The strategic policy documents of Latvia have been compared with the corresponding documents of the other Baltic States, as the historical and economic development of the countries has followed a relatively similar scenario, and all the Baltic States are EU Member States.
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