Mastering the basics before AI: why digital skills are key to successful adoption

Digital transformation is everywhere. Yet, a recent study conducted by Odoxa for Dell and BDM in 2025 reveals a worrying paradox: 60% of professionals in France do not master the basic digital tools necessary for their daily work , and this figure reaches 45% even among managers . These figures raise questions: how can we hope to adopt cutting-edge technologies like generative artificial intelligence if the digital foundations are so fragile?

At SoSharp, we believe this is not an obstacle, but a tremendous opportunity to rethink technology adoption.

A very real skills gap

Contrary to popular belief, the digital divide is no longer limited to seniors or those far removed from the job market. It also permeates businesses. And this reality has direct consequences:

• Existing digital tools are often underutilized.

• The arrival of new tools generates mistrust, even rejection.

• The transformation narrative put forward by management may seem disconnected from reality on the ground

This dissonance between strategy and operational reality hinders innovation… even before AI comes into play.

Generative AI: an emotionally charged technology

Unlike a new office tool, generative artificial intelligence does not simply change processes: it touches on sensitive dimensions of work such as creativity, decision-making or professional legitimacy.

It therefore arouses as much fascination as fear:

• Will I be replaced?

• Will I understand how it works?

• Is it really useful for my job?

These feelings are legitimate. And they show that the adoption of AI is primarily a human and cultural issue , before it is a technical one.

You can't properly adopt a technology you don't understand.

What prevents teams from leveraging generative AI tools is not a lack of technological potential. It is:

• A lack of trust

• A limited mastery of basic digital tools

• A lack of a culture of testing, error, and experimentation

In other words, we cannot successfully adopt AI if the digital foundations are shaky.

The SoSharp approach: making AI a lever for acculturation

We do not separate the adoption of AI tools from the development of digital skills. On the contrary, we leverage one to facilitate the other. Our method is based on three simple and concrete principles:

1. Diagnose the reality of usage

We don't start with what the teams "should" know how to do, but with what they actually do on a daily basis. That's where we can build a relevant program.

2. Training through practice

Short, practical modules focused on real-world use cases. We don't teach AI in theory; we put it in the hands of teams so they can experiment, test, and ask questions.

3. Provide long-term support

Because adoption is not a sprint but a process, we incorporate feedback, coaching, and gradual adjustments. The goal: to create reflexes, not one-off successes.

AI, a catalyst for skills and trust

Far from being a technology to be “endured”, generative AI can become a formidable accelerator of transformation… provided it is approached methodically .

It's not about waiting until all digital skills are mastered before "finally" talking about AI. It's about creating a dynamic where AI becomes a tool for learning, progressing, and putting teams back at the heart of the transformation .

What if, ultimately, the best way to bridge the digital divide... was to start by working together with what we already have?