Enhancing Workforce Adaptability Through Structured Digital Literacy Skill Set and Competency Standard: A Research and Development Study

Authors

  • Surono University of Asa Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57096/edunity.v4i8.419

Keywords:

Digital Literacy, Workforce Adaptability, Competency Standards, Skill Set, Curriculum Development, Vocational Education

Abstract

The accelerating pace of digital transformation has reshaped workforce demands, requiring not only technical competence but also adaptability in digital environments. However, a persistent digital skills gap continues to hinder employability and productivity, as many educational frameworks lack structured and standardized digital literacy competencies aligned with industry expectations. To address this, the study employed a research and development approach using the Integrated Interface Model to formulate a digital literacy skill set and corresponding competency standards, which were validated through the RMCS system and focus group discussions with industry and academic experts. The results include eight competency units covering core and elective digital capabilities such as digital tool operation, information evaluation, ethical online communication, cybersecurity, e-commerce management, and digital content creation. This competency framework provides a modular and competency-based foundation to improve workforce adaptability and supports educational alignment with regional and global standards such as ASEAN MRA-TP and UNESCO CBET. The study calls for the adoption of these structured competencies into academic and vocational systems to enhance workforce readiness and future resilience in the digital economy.

References

ASEAN. (2018). ASEAN-MRA-TP-Handbook-2nd-Edition-2018 (2nd ed.). ASEAN Secretariat.

Babashahi, L., Barbosa, C. E., Lima, Y., Lyra, A., Salazar, H., Argôlo, M., Almeida, M. A. de, & Souza, J. M. de. (2024). AI in the workplace: A systematic review of skill transformation in the industry. Administrative Sciences, 14(6), Article 127. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14060127

Bacalja, A., Beavis, C., & O'Brien, A. (2022). Shifting landscapes of digital literacy. Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, 45(2), 253–263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44020-022-00019-x

Bhoir, M., & Sinha, V. (2024). Employee well-being human resource practices: A systematic literature review and directions for future research. Future Business Journal, 10(1), Article 382. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-024-00382-w

Buchan, M. C., Bhawra, J., & Katapally, T. R. (2024). Navigating the digital world: Development of an evidence-based digital literacy program and assessment tool for youth. Smart Learning Environments, 11(1), Article 293. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00293-x

Cao, B., Wang, T., Li, A., Shang, Y., & Zhu, J. (2025). Unveiling the social and environmental benefits of digital transformation in corporations. PLoS One, 20(3), Article e0320064. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320064

European Commission. (2021). Council recommendation on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability. Official Journal of the European Union, C 488, 1–11.

Gall, M. D., Gall, J. P., & Borg, W. R. (2015). Applying educational research: How to read, do, and use research to solve problems of practice (7th ed.). Pearson.

Gürbüz, S., Bakker, A. B., Joosen, M. C. W., Noordik, E., Kok, R. N., Penders, G. B. S., & Brouwers, E. P. M. (2024). Sustainable employability and work outcomes: A prospective study. BMC Public Health, 24(1), Article 3103. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20576-9

International Labour Organization. (2023). The ILO strategy on skills and lifelong learning 2030. ILO Publications.

Nadkarni, S., & Prügl, R. (2021). Digital transformation: A review, synthesis and opportunities for future research. Management Review Quarterly, 71(2), 233–341. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-020-00185-7

OECD. (2025). OECD regulatory policy outlook 2025. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/56b60e39-en

Omol, E. J. (2024). Organizational digital transformation: From evolution to future trends. Digital Transformation and Society, 3(3), 240–256. https://doi.org/10.1108/DTS-08-2023-0061

Rikala, P., Braun, G., Järvinen, M., Stahre, J., & Hämäläinen, R. (2024). Understanding and measuring skill gaps in Industry 4.0 — A review. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 201, Article 123206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123206

Seiler, D. (2021). McKinsey Global Surveys, 2021: A year in review. McKinsey & Company.

Stephany, F., & Teutloff, O. (2024). What is the price of a skill? The value of complementarity. Research Policy, 53(1), Article 104898. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2023.104898

Stronati, C. (2023). The design of upper secondary education across OECD countries (OECD Education Working Papers No. 288). OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/158101f0-en

Surono, Syahrial, Z., & Wibawa, B. (2020). Model of interface between curriculum, competency standard, and standard operating procedures to ensure their link and match. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(4s), 1703–1714.

Trixa, J., & Kaspar, K. (2024). Information literacy in the digital age: Information sources, evaluation strategies, and perceived teaching competences of pre-service teachers. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, Article 1336436. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1336436

UNESCO. (2021). Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education. UNESCO Digital Library.

UNESCO-UNEVOC. (2024). Elevating TVET for a just and sustainable future for all. UNESCO Publications.

Weno, R., & Anggraini, R. L. (2022). Addressing skill mismatch through collaboration with industries in TVET. Monthly Bulletin In Focus, ASEAN Secretariat.

World Economic Forum. (2023). Shaping the future of learning: The role of AI in Education 4.0 (Insight Report). WEF Publications.

World Economic Forum. (2025). Future of jobs report 2025. WEF Publications.

Zamiri, M., & Esmaeili, A. (2024). Strategies, methods, and supports for developing skills within learning communities: A systematic review of the literature. Administrative Sciences, 14(9), Article 231. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090231

Downloads

Published

2025-08-21