After two successful years of Digital Skills Matchmaking, which generates new Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the area of digital skills, the 2023 edition introduced an enhanced format designed to strengthen resulting partnerships.
 

The event, held on June 29, 2023 during ICT spring, utilizes a speed-dating format to connect organizations with owners of socially minded digital projects.

It is organized by Innovative Initiatives, part of the Department of Media, Connectivity & Digital Policy; the Digital Skills Platform; and IMS Luxembourg, which draws on its CSR-minded business network.

In the past, Digital Skills Matchmaking relied on this one-day event to establish partnerships, but organizers saw an opportunity to extend support.

“We wanted to do more beforehand to help participants get the most out of the event, and then provide follow-up support to enhance the resulting partnerships, ” elaborates Claudine Kariger, Senior Advisor, Luxembourg Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy.

This year’s version began with one-on-one phone calls with heads of CSR within the participating organizations as well as preparatory workshops—for the organizations and for the project owners.

After the event, the 36 resulting partnerships attended a follow-up session on October 13, 2023 called the IMS Luxembourg Boost your Partnerships Workshop. It featured focused working groups that gave these new partners additional time to engage directly with one another and solidify next steps.

Check out some of the budding partnerships formed through Digital Skills Matchmaking:  

1. Sogeti & GoldenMe

Professionals from technology firm Sogeti joined GoldenMe's IT Help at Home initiative to assist the elderly in overcoming their digital challenges at home. Through touching testimonials, elderly participants expressed deep gratitude for the support.

2. Accenture & Code Club

Code Club Luxembourg, a volunteer-led nonprofit striving to spark childhood interest in digital creation, imparts skills and tools fit for the third industrial revolution. Code Club partnered with professional services firm and longtime collaborator Accenture, who provides Code Club with sponsorship and skills support. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Accenture assisted Code Club with volunteer activities by providing coaches for virtual sessions before expanding into other collaborations over time.

3. NTT Luxembourg & Girls in Tech

In October, nonprofit Girls in Tech celebrated its one-year anniversary with a fair showcasing businesses led by women and non-binary people in Kirchberg. The 150-person event featured 29 founders and an inspiring speech by Melvin Goergen, Head of Strategic and Corporate Development at the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, on the secrets to a successful investment pitch. Technology services company NTT sponsored, supported and participated in the event and is currently exploring the possibility of implementing future projects with Girls in Tech.

4. IMS Luxembourg & Maison de l’Orientation

The strong partnership between Maison de l'Orientation and business nonprofit IMS Luxembourg is particularly evident through IMS Luxembourg's youth and digital initiatives. The Digital Challenge program, for example, helps young people address the challenges of digitalization and sustainable development while building career connections with businesses. It brings companies and youth together in teams to respond to real challenges proposed by organizations, specifically related to digitization and/or sustainable development. Maison de l'Orientation, IMS Luxembourg and other partners, such as CARE Luxembourg, the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts, and the Sommer Foundation, collaborated closely to bring this project to fruition.