This paper is based on data from university courses in lifelong learning. The courses offer competence development within digital transformation and AI (artificial intelligence) to people who work in small and medium sized businesses (SMBs). A digital and data-driven economy requires firms to adapt and innovate. The need to understand digitization and AI is now being challenged at a pace never seen before. In Norway, the government has invited the university sector to strengthen digital skills in working life through various continuing education measures. Therefore, courses have been implemented which are flexible and web-based. Central is the interaction between theory and practical tools to strengthen digital challenges at work. However, there is a lack of essential knowledge about how formal knowledge acquisition within digital transformation and AI develops the student’s ability to initiate transformative measures in practice. This paper explores which dynamic capabilities are developed as a result of further education and what the effects are of enhanced digital skills in practice. The results show that the students developed three central dynamic capabilities: (i) sense new understanding and recognition of digital transformation and AI and discover new business opportunities, (ii) address and act on digital opportunities and (iii) influence, develop and plan for digital transformation. The paper contributes to the importance of combining theory and practice in further education so that people can quickly apply new skills into business. We also link academia and work-life more closely by helping to operationalize the national commitment to lifelong learning.

Authors:
Siw Fosstenløkken, Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway
Annita Fjuk, Digital Norway, Norway

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Siw Fosstenløkken is a full professor at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) in Oslo, Norway.

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