Open Access

Frank Dellmann, Thilo Harth

• Disruption, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality, Industry 4.0 and Rapid Prototyping are just a selection of the buzzwords that come up in connection with the rapid changes in the professional world and society brought about by digitalisation. As frequently occurs when buzzwords are used, their exact meaning is unknown, or remains unquestioned, but the use of them is nevertheless excessive. In this way, the buzzword ‘digital native’ assumes that an entire generation has a command of digital skills simply because they were born into this world and use digital media naturally. Which skills profiles this generation, and therefore a majority of today’s students, actually command, remains vague however, and is rarely explored systematically. The same is true of the specific formulation of necessary skills profiles in the digital world for higher education graduates. In the debate around higher education institutions, the description of the swift digital transition (with or without buzzwords) is not usually followed by a revision of existing curricula. This article describes strategic considerations for a better fit between the skills demanded of students and the challenges of the digital world.