Context
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Communication Directorate launched the ‘CoR Digital Masterclasses’ programme in 2020. This initiative aimed to address the growing need for digital literacy among local and regional authorities, politicians and policy-makers. The programme was particularly relevant as a new wave of local and regional representatives joined the CoR in 2020. Recognising the increasing importance of digital communication in government functions, the CoR sought to equip these stakeholders with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving digital landscape. The programme’s objectives were further amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated digital adoption across all sectors.
Objectives
The CoR Digital Masterclasses offered a unique blend of learning opportunities. Panel discussions, practical workshops and personalised coaching sessions were delivered by experts in the field of digital communication. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, from social media for government communication to crisis communication, disinformation, cybersecurity, data analysis and artificial intelligence. The programme was designed to be adaptable, catering to the specific needs of its diverse audience. Beyond individual skill development, the programme also fostered digital transformation within the CoR itself. The CoR Digital Masterclasses became an established brand, providing reliable information and expertise in a user-friendly format to support ongoing institutional processes and campaigns.
Implementation
The CoR Digital Masterclasses programme was implemented collaboratively between the CoR’s social media team and an external contractor specialising in IT and communication services. Over its three-year run, the programme delivered twenty online high-level talks, one on-site event and five internal workshops. Personalised coaching sessions were provided to 60 participants, and the programme featured presentations from 53 external speakers. The programme garnered significant interest, with over 2 900 registrants attending the live sessions in 2020 and 2022. On-demand talks in 2023 attracted nearly 2 000 website visits. The programme’s success highlights the CoR’s commitment to fostering digital skills development among local and regional authorities, public sector staff and beyond. The programme’s flexible and well-documented approach ensures its transferability to other settings, offering a valuable blueprint for empowering stakeholders in the digital age.