“The EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative has accomplished impressive results, and I think they’re on the track to be an outstanding vehicle and a leading example of what is needed in Europe to be a single market when it comes to education.”
In a candid interview, EIT Deep Tech Talent Advisory Board Member, Caroline Mol shared insights into her remarkable journey and profound expertise at the nexus of talent development and digital innovation.
With a deep-rooted passion for human potential, Caroline’s professional journey highlights the transformative power of technology in democratising quality education, reflecting: “I witnessed first-hand the limitless possibilities when human ingenuity and collaboration meet digital innovation.”
Her career spans continents and prestigious roles which include making significant contributions to Deloitte Consulting’s global digital learning technologies group, and stints with the United Nations and edX, one of the world’s leading online education platforms where she set up the European team and leading international partnerships. Currently, Caroline dedicates her time to exploring AI and its social implications, while also serving on the Advisory Board of EIT Digital’s Deep Tech Talent Initiative.
Lifelong learning has transitioned from a luxury to a necessity
Discussing the future of education and continuous learning, Caroline emphasised the critical need for lifelong learning, noting the accelerating pace of change in our world: “Studies suggest that in the next two decades, we’ll experience a year’s worth of change every three months. Looking further ahead, in 50 years, we might see annual level changes occurring every 10 days.”
This rapid evolution underscores the importance of constant adaptation and learning to maintain relevance in the workplace. Caroline outlined the significant challenges we face, including climate and energy crises, AI advancements, economic shifts, geopolitical tensions, and breakthroughs in synthetic biology, and that, in this context, access to high-quality short courses and relevant content becomes vital.
When it comes to AI’s potential in training and education, Caroline highlighted that when AI is leveraged constructively, it can significantly augment human potential citing that AI-supported personalised learning and tutoring are already showing promise. However, for Europe to fully harness these technologies, it must develop its deep tech capabilities, secure adequate funding, and foster collaboration.
The future of professional learning
Caroline sees immense potential in AI-supported digital learning for professionals, because these technologies can make online learning more personalised and relevant by helping to identify learning gaps and guide individuals toward relevant resources. However, she stressed the importance of collaboration between academia and industry and the need for funding mechanisms that support continuous education for both conventional students and professionals.
Caroline also emphasised that in staying competitive with AI, it’s the individual responsibility, advising: “Adapt, learn, and continue to reinvent yourself. Understanding how to work with AI and developing critical thinking skills are essential for staying relevant.”
The EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative
When asked about the EIT Digital Deep Tech Talent Initiative, Caroline highlighted the importance of showcasing impact: “When Partners see the value and the impact of the work, they are motivated to do more. Networking, learning from each other, funding, and investing are all crucial elements for the Initiative’s growth.”
Caroline believes that the Deep Tech Talent Initiative is already on an impressive track and is poised to become a leading example of what is needed in Europe for a unified approach to education.
Thank you, Caroline, for sharing your valuable insights and experiences.
Meet Caroline Mol, member of the EIT Deep Tech Talent’s Advisory Board
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