SADT - Digital Talent Ecosystem Playbook_Concepts_INTERNAL1-Pages

Digital Talent Ecosystem 2021 PLAYBOOK This is the space for a short subheading and there is also room for a #hashtag SAIT SCHOOL FOR ADVANCED DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY | 1

Introducing OURSELVES The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is a post-secondary institution in Calgary, Alberta. SAIT utilizes action-based learning, solution-focused research, and industry partnerships to help shape the next generation of inventors, entrepreneurs, and pioneers. SAIT currently offers programs through nine schools in the domains of Energy, Business, Construction, Health & Public Safety, Hospitality & Tourism, Information & Communications Technologies, Manufacturing & Automation, Transportation, and most recently, Advanced Digital Technology. The School for Advanced Digital Technology (SADT) was established in 2020 as a new, digital focused school at SAIT. SADT brings together learners, educators, creators, employers and inventors to learn digital skills and harness the mindset and connections to participate in, shape and lead our digital society. As a convenor, beacon, and catalyst, we strive to be a leader in the Digital Talent Ecosystem. 2 | DIGITAL TALENT ECOSYSTEM​2021 PLAYBOOK

We teach and empower people to THRIVE, CREATE and LEAD our digital society. SAIT SCHOOL FOR ADVANCED DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY | 3

CONSIDERATIONS: Assessing Different Digital Intelligence Frameworks In adopting a digital intelligence framework there are multiple options and paths to choose from. When making a choice, consider ecosystem, validity, and support. The DQ Digital Intelligence Framework from IEEE is recommended for use in our Digital Talent Ecosystem. DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE DIGCOMP CREATE YOUR OWN The DQ Digital Intelligence framework DigComp is a framework Creating your own digital is an international standard published created, supported and used intelligence framework can by IEEE. There are options for by the European Union. be a tempting option. customization and a path to influence This is a long Documentation for future versions of the standard. the framework is freely and expensive journey, available. Case studies especially if a goal DQ has input from the WEF, and tooling are available OECD and the UN Sustainable is to get adoption outside as further reference. of your organization. Development Goals. AVOID RECOMMENDED USE AS REFERENCE 4 | DIGITAL TALENT ECOSYSTEM​2021 PLAYBOOK

OBJECTIVE 36% Adopting a digital intelligence framework can deliver Of Calgary employers state that many different benefits but at its core it will provide the largest factor inhibiting digital a unified foundational language to discuss maturities, literacies, certifications, and digital ambitions both growth is a lack of talent4 internally and across an entire ecosystem. This type – A Digital Future for Alberta, ICTC of alignment can foster collaboration and innovation between key ecosystem stakeholders such as 2x talent-seeking organizations, government institutions, learning institutions and workforce participants. The phrase “… a rising tide lifts workforce mobility. From an The increased amount of time an all boats” is especially relevant in employer point of view, research employee stays at a company with this discussion. While creating a has shown that providing strong digital intelligence skills framework mobility has been shown to retain strong internal mobility. This is important and valuable, the true talent two-times longer3. delivers decreased hiring, retraining impact comes as the framework is adopted and is commonly used Ideally, a digital intelligence and lost productivity costs10. across the ecosystem. A digital framework also recognizes that – Workplace Learning Report 2021, LinkedIn intelligence framework also supports we are currently defining our digital breaking down silos. Fewer silos and society. Seeing our moment in $11.5T barriers will deliver more alignment, time, we can shape and define greater collaboration, more innovation the characteristics of that society. Potential lost GDP growth over the and a stronger ecosystem. This Recognizing and supporting ethics, next 10 years across G20 countries foundation amplifies the contributions well-being, sustainability, agency if innovation continues to outpace and efforts of the ecosystem! and responsibility will enable our ecosystem to design and execute digital skill development3. Leveraging a digital intelligence on a meaningful future that – Education & Technology Skills Research, framework can support development every stakeholder can understand, of ecosystem-wide recognition of appreciate, and thrive in! Accenture skills, knowledge, attitudes, values, certifications and accomplishments to close skills gaps and support greater SAIT SCHOOL FOR ADVANCED DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY | 5

Potential future TOPICS and PLAYS Provocations, interviews, discussions Experiential Learning and experience have led us to identifying potential future topics and plays. “Experiential learning captures our attention because it is immersive and hands-on. Learners are active participants, There are 5 additional topic areas that have emerged not passive recipients of knowledge.”28 from the work that led up to the publication of this playbook – It’s Learning. Just Not as We Know It. Accenture edition. An overview of each of these topics and some potential plays within each are provided on this page and Play Description the one that follows. There are more topics and plays to discover. Please Leverage The increasing demand for upskilling use the space below to capture some thoughts on topics Immersive of digital talent is directly linked or plays that need to be considered Learning to the pace of digital innovation. As technologies advance and Share your thoughts Emphasize organizations become more reliant Work-Integrated on digital innovations, the demand Learning for complementary digital skills Programs continues to grow. In order to satisfy these demands, organizations are faced with two options, develop talent internally or acquire talent that already has these skills. Industry partners should increase collaboration with educational and government institutions to develop and fund work-integrated learning programs (e.g. internships). These programs ensure upcoming talent is equipped with the skills needed in the industry today and ease the transition of new employees into companies. 6 | DIGITAL TALENT ECOSYSTEM​2021 PLAYBOOK

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Ecosystem Development “Opening new pathways to digital skills, especially for ”The key factors driving the strength of human innovation those who are currently under-represented, will require ecosystems are: diversity of talents, trust across social the development of a better understanding around the barriers, motivations that rise above short-term rationality, deployment, monitoring and assessment of emerging and social norms that promote rapid, “promiscuous” approaches to digital skills identification, development and collaboration and experimentation among individuals.”31 employment.”7 – Bridging the Digital Skills Gap, SkillsNext – The Rainforest Play Description Play Description Engage Internal diversity has benefits to Develop Align digital talent success metrics Equity-Seeking both employers and equity-seeking an Ecosystem and objectives to develop a unified Groups groups. Organizations that rank View ecosystem view. Providing an highly in ethnic and gender diversity on Success ecosystem wide measurement tool are more likely to achieve higher will allow for holistic talent strategy financial returns than less diverse development and tactics. organizations in their same industry5. The problem with a lack of diversity Facilitate Develop the processes and workforce is apparent within Secondments partnerships to facilitate Alberta. The province has amongst Across cross-ecosystem secondments. the lowest employment rate Ecosystem Enable complementary digital of equity-seeking groups6. Partners skill development through experiential learning outside Design As intelligent technologies of an individual’s typical work Human-Centered continue to automate certain tasks environment.  Digital Skill previously owned by human Development workers, human-centered digital skills become increasingly important. Distill the importance of innately human skills that interact and improve machines. Develop these skills through targeted initiatives. SAIT SCHOOL FOR ADVANCED DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY | 7