The Role of Digital Learning Platforms in Improving Employee Competence in the Creative Industry in Semarang

Digital transformation has changed the paradigm of human resource development in creative industries that require adaptive and innovative competencies. This study aims to analyze the role of digital learning platforms in enhancing employee competencies in Semarang's creative industry. Using a qualitative approach with instrumental case study design, the research involved 18 employees and 6 HR/L&D managers from five creative industry companies. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis during April-September 2024, then analyzed using grounded theory. Findings show that digital learning platforms increased employee competencies by an average of 42% within 6 months through learner-centered learning transformation, content personalization, and collaborative ecosystem formation. Critical success factors include organizational support, content relevance, user experience, continuous feedback systems, and workflow integration. Platform implementation yielded 3.2x ROI with 28% productivity increase and 35% revision rate decrease. The research contributes to developing a theoretical framework integrating constructivism, TAM, social learning, and connectivism for creative industry contexts. Practical implications include design principle recommendations for digital learning platforms that accommodate unique creative industry characteristics.