Digital Employability Skills for Gig Workers: A Systematic Literature Review and Network Analysis
Keywords:
Digital employability skills gig economy human capital theory inclusive training systematic literature reviewAbstract
This study examines the development of Digital Employability Skills (DES) among gig workers. Utilizing a Systematic Literature Review combined with Network Analysis to identify the mechanisms behind their growth and the challenges encountered from 2015 to 2025. A total of 27 peer-reviewed articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Bibliometric analysis shows a significant increase in research after 2020, in line with the digital transformation of work and the expansion of the platform-based economy. Thematic synthesis identified five conceptual domains: input, mediator, output, intervention, and gap, which explain the contribution of DES to employability outcomes. The study results show that core digital skills, such as information literacy and problem-solving, act as human capital that strengthen workers' adaptive abilities, self-efficacy, and collaboration. On the other hand, institutional interventions, including inclusive training, policies, and evaluation, were found to strengthen the conversion of skills into sustainable work performance. However, the impact of training remains limited due to structural and algorithmic barriers, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, refugees, and rural communities. These findings underscore the need for a stronger connection between individual preparedness, innovative teaching practices, and policy reform in building a fair, adaptive, and inclusive digital work ecosystem.
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