In the digital age, the importance of improving digital competences for the successful digital transformation of society, the economy, individuals, and public administration is increasingly emphasized. With this thesis, we aimed to examine and evaluate the levels of digital competences among employees in the Slovenian public administration, as it is a crucial and yet under-researched area. We achieved this through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. We analyzed existing literature and sources, conducted interviews and a survey with a sample of employees in public administration, structured according to the European DigComp framework. We found that employees in the Slovenian public administration, on average, possess digital competences at an intermediate level, but there are noticeable variations in their responses. For each competence there are employees who believe they do not possess even basic-level skills, as well as those who consider their knowledge to be at an advanced level. Among other findings, we discovered that employees lack opportunities to participate in digital education. Therefore, we proposed the establishment of a comprehensive training program covering various areas of digital competences, promoting a culture of learning and innovation, and providing support and mentorship to employees in their digital skills development. The research findings can be beneficial to various stakeholders (government, leadership, educational institutions, etc.) as guidelines for planning strategies and measures to improve employees' digital competences, setting priorities for training program development, and directing resources and efforts towards competences with the most significant impact on digital transformation. We recommend further research that focuses on analyzing specific areas of digital competences and systematically tracking progress.
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