Abstract

Purpose: This study seeks to identify the core digital skills that are indispensable for organizational success in the era of AI-driven digital transformation. By focusing on three pivotal sectors—construction, manufacturing, and information technology—it explores how firms can strategically leverage human capital to meet evolving technological demands. In doing so, the study highlights how these digital capabilities extend beyond internal organizational benefits to reinforce distribution efficiency and trade competitiveness across interconnected industries. Research design, data and methodology: Using the Delphi method, this study constructs a structured framework of digital skills tailored to employees across the three industries. Experts from each sector participated in two rounds of consensus-building to determine the most relevant digital skills. Results: The findings identify a portfolio of digital skills that are both cross-sectoral and sector-specific, highlighting the heterogeneous nature of skills demanded across distinct operational contexts. These results reaffirm the pivotal role of digital skills in sustaining competitiveness and efficiency across industries that collectively shape the value chain of economic distribution. Conclusions: These insights offer meaningful theoretical contributions to the digital skills literature and practical guidance for firms seeking to align training and recruitment strategies with digital demands. By clarifying essential skill priorities, the study supports more informed decision-making in workforce development amid the growing influence of AI in the digital economy.