Almost half (47%) of Generation Z globally (46% in Spain) is willing to accept economic constraints and lower GDP growth in exchange for policymakers focusing on a long-term strategy that promotes a more sustainable growthaccording to the “Future-Proof” study by Dell Technologies, which collects the voices of people aged 18 to 26 (belonging to Generation Z) in 15 countries around the world, including Spain.

In terms of the main areas of investment that governments should prioritize, those related to sustainable energy (42% worldwide and in Spain); the circular economy (39% worldwide and 44% in Spain) and a public transport also more sustainable (29% worldwide and 34% in Spain). The Spaniards (20%) do not consider it necessary to carry out citizenship education initiatives on sustainable development like the rest of the people questioned in the world (25%), a percentage that rises to 30% in France and 33% in Mexico and Brazil.

Aongus Hegarty, president of international markets at Dell Technologies, says that “Gen Z will likely be the most impacted by public and private investment decisions being made right now, so they will surely support initiatives that put sustainability at the center of economic growth strategies. »

Despite this, not all young people believe that current public investments will ensure that within 10 years there will be a thriving digital economy. Thus, a third of respondents (32% worldwide and 39% in Spain) say they have little or no confidence, while 30% (26% in Spain) have high or complete confidence. Spaniards aren’t the most optimistic, but they aren’t the most suspicious either. Thus, countries such as Singapore (56%) and Korea (41%) show high or complete confidence in current public investments, while young people in Japan (47%) and Brazil (49%) show little or no of confidence.

Bridging the digital divide

Gen Zers are clear that technology will play a key role at all levels. Both in aspects such as tackling the climate crisis (64%), and in developing their future careers. Thus, more than three quarters of respondents (76% worldwide and 79% in Spain) consider that the acquisition of new digital skills is essential to increase their professional options.

At this point, they feel a bit disappointed, because they think that they could have received a more appropriate education. Nearly half (44% globally and 42% in Spain) say they received only basic computer skills at school, and 12% (16% in Spain) say they received no training in technology or digital skills. 37% (40% in Spain) believe that school (up to age 16) did not provide them with the necessary technological skills to carry out their later work.

To help close this gap, a third (34%) of respondents globally suggest that there is a need to expand the availability of technology courses at all levels of education. A quarter (26%) believe technology courses in compulsory education will encourage young people to pursue tech-related careers.

But the digital divide also depends on factors such as the geographical location where you live or the demographic and socio-economic group to which you belong. For this reason, participants in this study from Dell Technologies believe that governments should prioritize their investments in access to devices and connectivity for disadvantaged groups (33%) and connectivity in rural areas (24%) .

On the other hand, the young people questioned are very aware of the importance of cybersecurity in the next digital future. More than half (56% globally and in Spain) believe that strong legislation and increased investment in cybersecurity are needed to protect national infrastructure and ensure that private companies meet high standards. For this to happen, 38% of respondents want the public and private sectors to work together and hold each other accountable.

Hegarty says, “It’s clear that Gen Z sees technology as fundamental to their future prosperity. Technology providers and governments must work together to improve the quality and access to content related to the new digital environment. 44% of Gen Z believe educators and businesses should work together to close the digital skills gap, and with the speed at which technology is changing, this will require constant collaboration.”

The importance of flexible and remote working

For 55% of Gen Z youth worldwide, the flexible hours and possibility to work remotely are two key factors when choosing a job. It is more important for Spaniards (62%), Italians and Mexicans (63% each). Much less decisive for French (48%), English, American or Canadian (50% in the three countries).

The Dell Technologies study also analyzes the views of Gen Zers on other issues. For example, when asked how they think you could support the economic growthrespondents see improving health services (21%), investing in education (11%) and investing in sustainable infrastructure (11%) as priorities.

Finally, another fact to consider: More than half (57%) of Generation Z members say they have little confidence that your personal data will be stored appropriately by providers of medical care.