Digital 2030 was launched in 2019 as a national framework to help Wales’ post-16 education sector strengthen its digital confidence, capability, and leadership. It set a shared ambition: to ensure learners and staff have the skills, systems, and support they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Since then, colleges, apprenticeships and adult learning providers have been working towards a more inclusive, innovative, and digitally ready sector.
But a lot has changed in five years. Taken together, these shifts make this an important moment to pause and reflect on whether Digital 2030 continues to meet the needs of the sector it was designed to support.
A rapidly changing landscape
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated digital learning at a pace few could have predicted. Overnight, providers moved teaching, support and assessment online. Staff and learners rapidly developed new skills, new confidence, and new expectations. The adoption of hybrid delivery models became necessary. Digital inclusion challenges became more visible.
And just as the sector was adjusting to a post-pandemic world, another major shift arrived: generative AI.
AI is now reshaping how we think about assessment, feedback, skills development, curriculum design and digital safety. New tools and platforms are emerging at unprecedented speed. Costs of software, infrastructure and cyber security have increased. Learners expect intuitive, flexible, personalised digital experiences. At the same time, staff are adapting to sustained and accelerating change, as digital transformation becomes an increasingly central part of organisational strategy.
Alongside these shifts, the national policy landscape has also evolved. Medr became operational in August 2024 to provide a more coherent, system-wide approach to post-16 education in Wales. Its remit brings together oversight, strategic guidance and funding across Further Education, Higher Education, Apprenticeships, and Adult and Community Learning, creating a more joined-up environment for digital transformation. Digital 2030 now sits within this broader vision for the sector.
A mid-term review?
Medr are undertaking a mid-term review of Digital 2030, as originally intended when the framework was launched, to ensure the framework remains relevant, practical and aligned with today’s challenges and opportunities. This is not about starting again; it’s about building on what has already been achieved and ensuring the framework continues to support the sector as it evolves.
The review is looking at:
- What has changed since 2019
- What providers have achieved so far
- What challenges and pressures remain
- How new technologies are reshaping teaching, learning and digital capability
- What support the sector needs next
The aim is to ensure Digital 2030 continues to work for Further Education, Apprenticeships and Adult and Community Learning across Wales.
Jisc’s role in supporting the review
Jisc is working with Medr to help gather insight and evidence from across the sector. This includes:
- conducting desk research
- engaging with stakeholders across the sector to share experiences
- listening carefully to what is working well and what might need updating
- identifying opportunities for stronger alignment between digital learning, infrastructure, leadership and digital capability
This reflective process creates space for providers to share what has supported progress so far, as well as where further clarity or support would be most valuable.
Looking ahead
Across Wales, we’ve seen remarkable progress in digital confidence, creativity and collaboration. Staff have developed new skills. Learners are engaging in new and meaningful ways. Providers have reimagined learning spaces, invested in digital infrastructure, and explored new possibilities in AI-enabled teaching and support.
The Digital 2030 mid-term review is about ensuring the framework continues to guide and empower providers through the next stage of the journey. As the review moves forward, we’re keen to listen to experiences from across the sector to help shape a refreshed Digital 2030 that reflects today’s realities and tomorrow’s needs.
