Half a billion euros in the NRR for basic digital training: this was announced by the minister for technological innovation and digital transition, Vittorio Colao, at the presentation of the Italian Tech Academy. Interviewed by the director of Repubblica, Maurizio Molinari, Colao explained that the first calls will start as early as September: “Of course we need graduates in Stem [Science, Technology, Engineering e Mathematics, ndr]”, he clarified,” but that will take years. Meanwhile, these funds will allow us to revitalize a few million people with digital ‘injections’. “
It Academy, Minister Colao in Molinari: “Half a billion in the Pnrr for basic digital training”
Colao underlined the importance of digital skills to find work: “They count a lot and they count in all jobs”, he said: “In the Swg survey you presented, we talk about humanistic and scientific skills. Here, we need many technicians, but the truth is that even those who have chosen a humanistic direction must have technical skills. So initiatives like those of today are important, and I hope they become big. We need to have more graduates. Everyone should have courses to have digital skills, essential in all jobs “. The Italian Tech Academy was born as a school open to all those who want to acquire or improve digital skills, with individual specific courses.
“Lawyers are already beginning to understand how to use technology to have a more efficient job and a higher quality to make choices”, is the example chosen by Colao to explain how digital now intersects all professions, even those considered more traditional. . “To also improve the drafting of documents. Artificial intelligence in this world helps a lot and is already in the largest law firms. Sure, then you have to be a good lawyer, but technology is key. And this is also true for museums that if they are digitized they improve the service “.
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The concept is clear, digital always improves everything. But does it also improve the salary? Do those with digital experiences have more hope of better pay? Addressing the kids, this is – of course … – a key issue. And Colao cites clear numbers: “The boys and girls who come out of these digital courses, even if they are recent graduates, immediately reach a salary of 50 thousand euros. Much above the average. I really appreciate these courses. They revolutionize retail, world of customer care “.
On stage, the themes of the short week and smart working are also addressed: “I have always been convinced that flexibility is the most important thing”, says Colao. “When I worked in publishing I said: as long as the newspaper comes out well, I don’t care where the journalists are. Anyway, one thing is certain: we will have to work more. The message must not get across that short week means less work”.
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The hunger for digital, according to Colao, can be seen in the private sector but also in the public administration: “We have the tendency to say that Italy is behind”, he explains. “Ok, but we have surprising things to underline: in one month we had 20% of the Italian municipalities that joined the digital platform. It is the sensitivity that makes us happy. There is hunger and a desire to improve the service to citizens. Our the duty of institutions is to give the possibility of having opportunities for growth. And I hope that your school will soon have many competitors… “.
And when asked about Elon Musk and his challenge on Twitter, Colao explains that “Musk is a true innovator, he has changed access to space, to the electrification of world mobility. He has overturned, starting from scratch, many parameters. I must say however, that the distribution of news, of everything that forms public opinion, is a delicate, important thing, a pillar of democracy. And therefore I am very afraid of mixing. Having said that, in Europe we have a series of rules that govern this world “.
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Finally, a tip for young people: “First of all I would say ‘congratulations’, already if you attend the Academy it means that you understand. The second thing I would say is’ follow your passions and put digital and technology on top of everything ‘: they can give you the ability to do anything better. Technology is a turbo. “