Digital skills landscape: A systematic review of current academic programs, industry demands, and the digital divide’s impact on graduate competencies.

Abstract

This paper systematically reviews the current state of digital skills in academic programs, identifies the existing gaps between industry demands and graduates’ competencies, and critically examines the implications of the digital divide. Employing a systematic literature review approach through desktop research and narrative synthesis, the study reveals significant discrepancies between academic curricula and evolving industry needs, particularly in areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. A notable mismatch in teaching methods and limited practical experience provided to students contributes to these gaps. Crucially, the review demonstrates how the digital divide worsens these skill deficits and fosters socio-economic discrimination. Recommendations include comprehensive curriculum updates, enhanced practical experience opportunities, increased collaboration between academia and industry, and targeted policy interventions to address digital inequality. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the digital skills landscape and inform strategies to prepare graduates for the future workforce.