Labor Market Challenges and the Role of the University in the Digital Era. A Systemic Approach

Within the context of digital transformation, labor market dynamics are subject to fluctuations, a trend substantiated by reports from reputable organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Economic Forum, and McKinsey and Company, among others. These challenges manifest in the disappearance of certain occupations and the emergence of new roles resulting from digital transformation. Notably, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) bear the brunt of these labor market hardships. Experts emphasize diverse issues faced by SMEs across all countries. In high-income nations, these hurdles encompass the need to establish flexible organizational structures, and to foster interdisciplinary thinking among employees. Conversely, low- and lower-middle-income countries grapple with organizational, behavioral, and technological difficulties. While no single solution can address this multifaceted landscape, education stands out as an exception capable of mitigating economic problems. The European Commission underscores the imperative for systemic changes in education and training. All countries contend with a scarcity of highly qualified workforce, a gap that can be filled by specialists from other nations. Consequently, the role of entrepreneurial universities gains prominence. The University 5.0 model represents the digital transformation of the entrepreneurial university, emphasizing its contribution to local economic development through international linkages.