Cesis Digital Centre – to enhance digital literacy
About this good practice
Lack of digital skills and competencies among both local residents and entrepreneurs are one of the main challenges faced by rural areas and villages. The average skill level is far below that needed to fully exploit and benefit from the available digital solutions. This is a common problem but the Cesis Digital Centre (CDC) is a unique investment/policy implemented by the Cesis Local Municipality in Latvia, Cesis district that could be deployed elsewhere. CDC, was established by the Cesis Municipality in 2020, and is based in a smart technology hub. The foundation focuses on enhancing digital literacy, implementing digital tools in public administration, and attracting ICT companies and talent to the region. Its main activities include offering courses to improve local residents' ICT skills, promoting efficient public administration through digital tools, and helping local businesses optimize production processes using digital technologies. The CDC is instrumental in driving the digital upskilling of local citizens and businesses, particularly small and midsized enterprises. It fosters a culture of innovation by offering training programs, seminars, and resources to improve digital literacy and competencies.
Resources needed
Budget of setting up the training program in 2022 was 85 000 EUR. Amount of financial resources to provide each learning event is about 2000 EUR, including materials, trainer, etc. Human resources involved to set up and to run the practice is 2 daily + course lecturers as necessary.
Evidence of success
CDC has provided training to 235 people in the Cesis district (4 calls total, 17 groups). CDC efforts not only bridge the digital divide but also can help prepare the workforce for future technological demands. CDC also acts as an incubator for local businesses, providing them with access to mentorship, and networking opportunities, supporting the growth of a local entrepreneurial ecosystem, which in turn has a positive impact on job creation and economic development.
Potential for learning or transfer
Initiatives such as the CDC act as important catalysts for the local economy and public administration by improving digital literacy, fostering innovation, and creating an ecosystem that promotes collaboration among various stakeholders. They have the potential to be a transformative force in both the digital and economic landscape of the rural areas. The emphasis on fostering collaboration between public administrations, businesses, and educational institutions, combined with a focus on digital literacy, innovation, and inclusivity, positions them as key drivers of regional development. Multi-level collaboration is essential in shaping digital policies that are aligned with regional needs while integrating broader national and EU objectives. This aspect is highly transferable, especially in regions where there is a gap in digital skills or resistance to digital transformation.