The active development of science and technology became the basis of significant changes, which provide for the rapid introduction of ICT in all spheres of economic relations and human life. Such innovations have led to a change in socio-economic activity, which today is defined by digital transformation. The development of the digital economy inevitably affects a person, the demands placed on his abilities, skills and knowledge. The hypothesis regarding the allocation of digital skills in the structure of human capital, the acquisition of which allows the effective use of new electronic services and ICT in work and everyday activities, is becoming dominant in the world. Therefore, we consider it relevant to study the essence and components of digital skills, which can become the basis for comparing their level in different countries. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to reveal the theoretical and methodological foundations of digital skills and to find out the relationship between the level of digital skills of the population and the competitiveness of the country in the conditions of digitalization of its economy. To achieve the goal, several general scientific and specific methods of cognition were used, including analysis and synthesis, content analysis and the method of classification and analytical grouping, statistical method, economic forecasting. As a result of the study, it is proposed to distinguish the following components in the structure of digital skills: technical and computer skills, communication skills, security skills, media information and data analysis skills, and the ability to solve digital-based problems. It was revealed that the level of development of digital skills depends on the pace of development of the national economy, its competitiveness, the activity of implementation and dissemination of innovative activities. This assumption is confirmed by comparing DSGI (The Digital Skills Gap Index) and GCI (The Global Competitiveness Index).