Digital transformation is reshaping Europe’s labour markets, and the Lisbon Metropolitan Region is no exception. While the area is home to one of Portugal’s most vibrant tech ecosystems, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still slow to adopt advanced digital tools. At the same time, gaps in digital skills among students, older professionals and underrepresented groups risk holding back inclusive growth.
In response, the MLA RSP brings together stakeholders from education & training, business and civil society to tackle three urgent challenges: underestimating the pace of digital change, fragmented and hard-to-navigate learning opportunities, and the limited scale and impact of existing training.
The ambitions
The Partnership aims to build a resilient and future-ready workforce by creating flexible training pathways that meet real labour market needs. The focus is on five priority groups: non-tech students, science and tech students, SME managers and teams, professionals aged 45 and over, and women in technology and leadership.
Through joint action, the MLA RSP will help close the digital skills gap in the region while supporting the broader goals of the Pact for Skills. By making learning more inclusive, accessible and relevant, the partnership also aims to support sustainable growth and innovation.
The commitments
To achieve its ambitions, the MLA RSP will take coordinated action through a multi-stakeholder framework. Key activities include:
- co-designing a modular digital skills learning framework tailored to the region’s needs and aligned with labour market demands
- expanding the NOVA FCT entrepreneurship programme to reach more science and tech students
- launching an awareness campaign on reskilling opportunities, with a focus on professionals aged 45 and over
- promoting integrated, inclusive learning paths to improve access for women and older professionals
- using digital platforms to simplify access to training, mentorship and industry connections, while tracking skills development and results
- organising bootcamps and start-up competitions to connect talent with opportunity, foster innovation and support the regional economy.
Find out more in the Partnership Declaration below.
Digital_Skills_NOVA_Portugal RSP declaration
