Digital Transformation for Strengthening Gen-Z

Presented in “The International Public Lecture”, held by STIA-LAN Polytechnics of Administration

Jakarta, August 27th, 2024

Dr. Tri Widodo W. Utomo, MA

Lecturer; Deputy Chairperson for Policy Studies & Innovation, National Institute of Public Administration (LAN-RI)

1. Dr.Tri Widodo W. Utomo, MA
Deputy Chairperson for Policy Studies & Innovation,
National Institute of Public Administration (LAN-RI)
The Challenge of Digital Transformation for
Strengthening the Capacity of Gen-Z
Presented in “The International Public Lecture”, held by STIA-LAN
Polytechnics of Administration
Jakarta, August 27
th
, 2024

2. The Millennial Generation marks a change in the character of a new generation that is
“anti-establishment”, eager to change, wants everything to be fast, IT mastery (digital
literacy), and increasingly tight competition.
Gen
Alpha
(2013-skr)
Gen Z
(1997-
2012)
Gen Y/
Millenial
(1981-
1996)
Gen X
(1965-
1980)
Baby
Boomers
(1946-
1964)
PROLOGUE: THE GENERATION SHIFT

3. "Politics in the twentieth century was dominated by a central
question: how much of our collective life should be determined
by the state, and what should be left to the market and civil
society? For the generation now approaching political
maturity, the debate will be different: to what extent
should our lives be directed and controlled by
powerful digital systems -and on what terms?"
Future Politics: Living Together in a
World Transformed by Tech
Jamie Susskind. 2018. Oxford University Press

4. General Traits of
Millenial& Gen. Z
▪Smart, creative, multitasking,
techno savvy, and other non-
conventional skills.
▪Longer screen time.
▪More aware about work life
balance.
▪Lack of national insight and
awareness of global cultural
threats.
▪Smartphone = gen X + e-books,
monitor stock market, shares,
research tourist attractions, etc.
▪Instagram.
INDONESIA: THE GENERATION SHIFT

5. o73.7% of Indonesian adults now use the internet, and every
virtual move they make –while shopping, connecting with
friends, sending work emails, streaming videos and so on –is
recorded.
oBy 2020, the vast majority of people in the world will be able
to access almost any information, communicate and
collaborate with almost anyone, and broadcast their opinions
globally, from any location, at any time, and at a low cost.
oBillions of people use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and
Twitter (with billions more on Chinese platforms like WeChat)
to talk with friends, share their thoughts and activities.
oThis has changed the nature of communication: individuals
can now communicate directly with the public without having
to rely on conventional media such as newspapers or
television, and messages can be personalized and targeted to
a level that was previously impossible.
WHAT HAS CHANGED?

6. ISSUES IN DIGITAL CAPABILITY FOR SUCCESSFUL DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Define Digital Competency Framework
Recruit new talents using new approach
2
1
Set-up Civil Service Digital Academy
3
Supplement critical competencies
4
Issue on Human Capital Aspect for Digital
Government
5
Issues Addressed
▪Low number of ICT specialist in
the civil service;
▪Supply of qualified talents is
limited;
▪Digital competency framework is
not adequately defined;
▪ICT specialist lack technical skills;
▪Non-ICT specialist including
leaders have no sufficient
exposure to digital literacy &
leadership training;
▪Talents prefers industrythan civil
service.
Source: World Bank, 2020

7. STRENGTHENING GEN Z’S DIGITAL CAPACITY
Provide grants, incubation programs, and
mentoring for young digital entrepreneurs.
Establish innovation hubs and co-working
spaces where Gen-Z can collaborate on digital
projects and startups.
Encourage Innovation
and Entrepreneurship
Create targeted programs for girls, minorities,
and individuals with disabilities to develop
digital skills. Encourage representation and
participation of diverse groups in digital
education and tech industries.
Promote Digital
Inclusion and Diversity
Encourage continuous digital skill
development through lifelong
learning initiatives and digital
upskilling programs.
Promote Lifelong
Learning and Digital
Upskilling
Develop a standardized digital
curriculum that covers essential
digital skills, including coding, data
literacy, cybersecurity, and digital
ethics. Ensure that teachers are
trained to deliver these courses
effectively.
Integrate Digital Literacy
into Education Curricula

8. IMPROVING THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITY TO BOOST GEN Z’S CAPACITY
Curriculum Development and
Theoretical Foundation
Universities provide a structured and comprehensive
curriculum that covers foundational and advanced
digital skills. This includes theoretical knowledge
essential for understanding digital technologies, such as
computer science principles, data structures, and
algorithms.
2
Research & Innovation
Universities are hubs for research and innovation in digital
technologies. They contribute to cutting-edge
advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence,
cybersecurity, and cloud computing through academic
research and collaboration with industry partners.
1
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Universities emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and research
skills, which are essential for addressing complex digital challenges. These
skills are integrated into the academic experience through projects, case
studies, and coursework.
3
Industry Partnerships and Networking
Industry partnerships and real-world projects offer practical
experience that complements the theoretical knowledge
gained through university coursework and can lead to job
opportunities and industry connections.
4
Global Perspectives and Diverse
Knowledge
Universities provide exposure to diverse
perspectives and global trends in digital technology
through a variety of courses, guest lectures, and
international collaborations.
5

9. Thank You …