Evaluating a Skill Management Platform – Towards an Upskilling System for Large and Small Companies

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecel.24.1.3949

Keywords:

upskilling, skill gap, skill matching, learning management system, industry 5.0

Abstract

As industry navigates the transition towards Industry 5.0, the need for human-centric workforce development becomes more pressing than ever. This shift highlights not only technological implementations but also employee empowerment through lifelong learning. Digital platforms for learning and skill management rapidly emerge, to align individuals’ skills with changing organisational needs. However, how these platforms are perceived and integrated across different companies is greatly underexplored. This study describes a mixed-methods evaluation of a digital skill management platform implemented in two industrial contexts: large Swedish companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany. The platform offers individual skill gap assessments, recommending suitable training for users. In the study, two main dimensions were investigated, i.e. the platform’s perceived effectiveness for users and the organisational integration of the platform. Results show a range of challenges in said dimensions. Users report varying platform usability and relevance of recommended learning. Results also reveal challenges in organisational integration and in aligning the platform with existing company-internal skill, task, and job taxonomies, including learning management systems (LMS). Other identified issues were user engagement and the visibility of learning progress for managers. Our conclusions emphasise the importance of adapting solutions to organisational contexts when implementing skill management systems. Based on insights from the study, recommendations for supporting successful implementation of such platforms, including the need to accommodate different stakeholder needs, are outlined. Our recommendations include enabling conditions, organisational integration and platform design. The presented results contribute to ongoing discussions on how digital learning solutions can support efficient workforce transformation towards Industry 5.0. Our findings have clear value for the university and research institution context, where researchers, teachers, and leaders are exploring ways to deliver lifelong learning opportunities in industry. Skill management platforms have potential to serve as bridges between university courses and workplace learning demands, enabling universities to play important roles in their employees’ lifelong learning.

Author Biographies

Greta Braun, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden

Greta Braun is a Ph.D. candidate at Chalmers University of Technology, Industrial and Materials Science with a background in Electrical Engineering and Learning and Leadership. She researches skills, upskilling, and skills matching required for future industrial work, aiming for a digitalised, inclusive, and sustainable industry.

Maria Kretschmer, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology (IPK), Berlin, Germany

Maria Kretschmer, M.A., studied Business Administration at Humboldt University of Berlin and Philosophy of Knowledge and Science at the Technical University of Berlin. Ms. Kretschmer works as a research associate in the Business Excellence Methods department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology (IPK) in Berlin.

Mattias Bokinge, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden

Mattias Bokinge is a Lecturer at Halmstad University, School of Business, Innovation and Sustainability. He is Director of studies of the Swedish production programme Produktion2030's national graduate school and for Ingenjör4.0 - an upskilling program aimed for professionals with an engineering background. His research interest is in upskilling in industry. 

Katrin Singer-Coudoux, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology (IPK), Berlin, Germany

Katrin Singer-Coudoux, M.Sc. MBA, studied International Management at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands and Anglia Ruskin University in England. Ms. Singer-Coudoux works as a research associate in the Business Excellence Methods department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology (IPK) in Berlin.

Bengt-Göran Rosén, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden

Bengt-Göran Rosén, Ph.D., is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Halmstad University and Guest Professor at Chalmers and Jönköping University. He researches surface technology, metrology, and sustainable production, and leads collaborative projects with industry and academia. He earned his doctorate in Production Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology.

Johan Stahre, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden

Johan Stahre is Professor and Head of Production Systems at Chalmers University of Technology. He researches human-centric manufacturing, future work, and upskilling. He is Director of Chalmers Upskilling Academy, Co-Director of Produktion2030, and a sought-after keynote speaker on both national and international stages.

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Published

2025-10-17

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 1 (2025): Proceedings of the 24th European Conference on e‑Learning

Section

Academic papers