Digital skills: what they are, types, and how to develop them in 2026

Digital skills have become a critical factor for employability and business competitiveness. In a world where 85% of companies report a shortage of talent with adequate technology competencies, mastering these skills is no longer optional: it is a strategic necessity.

In this post, you’ll discover what digital skills are, how they are classified, which ones are most in demand by companies in 2026 and how you can effectively develop them within your team using the right tools.

What are digital skills?

Digital skills, also known as digital competencies or digital literacy, are the set of knowledge, abilities, and attitudes needed to effectively use information and communication technologies (ICT) in a range of personal, academic, and professional contexts.

According to the European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp), these skills range from basic device use to the ability to create digital content, protect information, and solve technical problems independently.

Why digital skills matter in 2026

The importance of digital skills is becoming increasingly evident. The World Economic Forum predicts that 42% of tasks will be automated by 2027, driven by the rise of AI and new emerging technologies.

Key data:

• 85% of companies consider digital skills critical for competitiveness.
• AI-related competencies have grown by 400% in job postings.
• 69% of workers believe they need additional training in digital competencies.
• It is estimated that 75% of organizations will implement digital upskilling programs in 2026.

Difference between digital skills and digital competencies

Although they are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle but important difference:

• Digital skills: specific technical abilities such as using Excel, programming in Python, or managing social media.
• Digital competencies: a broader set that includes skills + knowledge + attitudes. It involves knowing when and how to apply those skills effectively and ethically.

Practical example: knowing how to use a data analytics tool is a skill; interpreting the results, communicating them effectively, and making decisions based on them is a competency.

Types of digital skills by level

According to the classification of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), there are three levels of digital skills:

1. Basic level

These are the fundamental skills that enable everyday tasks:

• Using a touchscreen or keyboard.
• Operating word processors (Word, Google Docs).
• Managing files and folders.
• Sending emails.
• Completing online forms.
• Searching for information on the web.

2. Intermediate level

These allow people to use digital technologies to create content, work with automated processes, and evaluate technology:

• Creating digital content (presentations, collaborative documents).
• Managing collaborative platforms (Slack, Teams, Notion).
• Basic data and metrics analysis.
• Using project management tools.
• Basic cybersecurity knowledge.
• Simple automation of repetitive tasks.

3. Advanced level

These include the skills needed for IT roles or roles closely related to technology:

• Web development and programming.
• Advanced data analysis (Big Data, Python, R).
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Graphic design and multimedia development.
• Systems architecture and cloud computing.
• Advanced cybersecurity.
• Blockchain and emerging technologies.

Main digital skills in demand by companies

These are the digital skills most required by companies in 2026:

1. Artificial intelligence and prompt engineering

Professional profiles with AI-related skills are in high demand. This involves the ability to work with machine learning algorithms, generative tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney), and prompt optimization that enables companies to automate tasks, make data-driven decisions, and enhance personalization.

2. Digital marketing

Companies are looking for professionals capable of using tools such as Google Ads and Meta Ads, and who understand SEO, content marketing, and social media to promote products and services online. Marketing automation has become essential.

3. Data analysis

This skill involves understanding the value of big data and being able to interpret statistics and key performance indicators (KPIs) such as website traffic, conversion rate, social media engagement, among others. Tools like Google Analytics, Power BI, and Tableau are increasingly in demand.

4. Digital project management

This refers to the ability to plan and execute digital projects efficiently using agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and specialized tools (Asana, Trello, Monday.com), ensuring that deadlines and objectives are met.

5. Digital communication and collaboration

Ability to communicate assertively in digital and remote environments with managers, colleagues, and teams. It includes proficiency in platforms such as Slack, Teams, Zoom, and collaborative work tools that strengthen distributed teamwork.

6. Cybersecurity and data protection

With the rise in cyberattacks, companies need professionals who understand cybersecurity principles, GDPR, can identify phishing and malware threats, manage passwords securely, and apply data protection policies.

7. Process automation (RPA)

Use of no-code/low-code tools to optimize workflows, implement chatbots, virtual assistants, and automate repetitive tasks without the need for advanced programming.

8. Collaborative platform management

Proficiency in tools such as Notion, Confluence, and SharePoint for collaborative documentation, knowledge management, and asynchronous work in distributed teams.

9. Computational thinking

Logical problem-solving, understanding basic algorithms, and the ability to break down complex problems into manageable parts. This skill is essential for adapting to new technologies.

10. Adaptability and continuous learning

In a constantly evolving digital environment, having employees who can stay up to date and adapt to new technologies and trends is crucial. This meta-skill ensures that knowledge does not become obsolete.

Digital skills by professional sector

Digital skill requirements vary by sector. Here are the most relevant ones by industry:

Retail and e-commerce sector

• Management of online sales platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce).
• Digital customer journey analysis.
• Marketing automation and CRM.
• Digital inventory management.

Human resources sector

• Use of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).
• People analytics and HR tech.
• Management of training platforms (LMS such as isEazy).
• Employee experience and digital culture.

Financial sector

• FinTech and digital banking.
• Predictive risk analysis.
• Blockchain and crypto assets (basic level).
• Digital regulatory compliance (RegTech).

Education sector

• LMS platforms (Moodle, Canvas, isEazy).
• E-learning content creation.
• Gamification and learning analytics.
• Digital assessment tools.

How to assess your team’s digital skills

Talking about digital skills is not just about knowing how to use tools. It involves the ability to work, communicate, solve problems, and adapt in constantly changing technological environments. That’s why, before designing any training plan, it’s essential to understand your team’s starting point.

Assessing digital skills allows you to make data-driven decisions, avoid generic training, and focus efforts on the competencies that truly impact the business.

1. Conduct a digital skills assessment

The first step is to measure the current level of digital competencies in a structured way. This diagnosis should combine perception and practical evidence.

Self-assessment questionnaires help identify how professionals perceive themselves in areas such as the use of collaborative tools, information management, basic cybersecurity, or task automation. However, to obtain a realistic view, it is advisable to complement them with practical tests on key tools already used within the company.

You can also rely on recognized certifications or learning pathways, which serve as an external benchmark of digital level, especially in areas such as digital productivity, digital marketing, or data analysis.

2. Define a digital skills matrix by role

Not all roles require the same digital skills. An HR profile, a sales profile, or a technical profile require different levels and types of competencies.

That’s why it is useful to build a skills or competencies matrix that links each role with the digital skills required at three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced. This may include competencies such as collaborative work in digital environments, data analysis, use of automation tools, digital communication, or information management.

This matrix turns an abstract concept like “improving digital skills” into something concrete and actionable, and makes it easy to quickly identify where gaps exist.

3. Perform a digital skills gap analysis

Once you know the current level and the required level by role, the key moment arrives: identifying the gap.

The gap analysis shows the distance between the digital skills your team has today and those they need to achieve business goals, drive digital transformation, or adopt new technologies such as AI.

This step allows you to prioritize. Not all competencies need to be developed at the same time: some will have a direct impact on productivity, others on innovation, and others on risk reduction.

CASE STUDY

We helped AKRON Group to boost the skills development of its team

See case study

How to develop digital skills in your team

Developing digital skills is not a one-time action, but a continuous process that combines training, practice, and organizational culture.

Developing digital skills at the individual level

Each professional should have clear opportunities to progressively improve their digital competencies. This includes accessing specialized online courses, practicing what they’ve learned in real projects, and applying new tools in their daily work.

Learning accelerates when people have internal role models or mentors who already master specific digital areas, and when curiosity is encouraged to explore new technologies, trends, and ways of working.

Developing digital skills at the organizational level

At the organizational level, developing digital skills requires a strategy. As mentioned earlier, it is essential to identify each professional’s needs through prior assessments, design development plans tailored to each role and level, and ensure access to high-quality learning resources.

In addition, companies that truly advance in digital competencies encourage collaboration between teams to share knowledge, integrate learning in the flow of work, and periodically review progress to adjust the strategy.

When digital skills become part of the culture, training stops being an isolated event and becomes a continuous driver of adaptation and competitiveness.

Take your team’s digital skills to the next level with isEazy Skills

Assessing digital skills is only the first step. The real impact comes when you turn that diagnosis into a continuous development plan, structured and tailored to each role.

To close the identified gaps and strengthen your team’s key digital competencies, you need more than standalone courses: you need a learning ecosystem that covers everything from basic skills to advanced digital competencies, combined with soft skills that drive productivity and adaptability to change.

With isEazy Skills, you can access one of the most comprehensive e-learning training catalogs for companies, with more than 600 courses and programs designed to develop both digital skills and essential transversal competencies for today’s environment.

This allows you to:

• Boost digital upskilling across your entire workforce, regardless of their starting level.
• Adapt training to different professional profiles and departments.
• Keep competencies up to date with content that continuously evolves.
• Integrate training into a continuous learning strategy, rather than one-off actions.

In addition, you can dive deeper into specific digital development areas based on the needs identified, such as:

• IT training
• Cybersecurity training
• Productivity training
• Communication skills in digital environments
• Team management in hybrid environments

In this way, digital skills stop being a theoretical concept and become a real competitive advantage for your organization. What are you waiting for to request a demo of isEazy Skills?