This paper discusses approaches to economic and mathematical modeling skills development among students of universities of economics. The need for this competency among specialists in the digital economy is shown. The motivation of the student the future specialist in the digital economy in mastering the basic techniques of economic processes and systems modeling is outlined. The sections of the school course in mathematics are given, which are the basis for the development of these skills. Mathematical courses are examined; their study is considered to be the foundation for the development of the competence in economic processes modeling. The author describes the main types of mathematical models that are studied at the present stage at universities of economics and are widely used in the digital economy. The author also presents a classification of the models used in the educational process while studying mathematical courses. The main requirements for economic-mathematical models are discussed and substantiated. The author has listed necessary requirements for teachers of mathematical departments of universities. These requirements can help them to teach basic mathematics and its applied sections (e.g. mathematical modeling) to students successfully. The main conclusions and results of the study can be used in the practical work of teachers of mathematical departments at universities of economics when creating electronic teaching aids of economic and mathematical modeling and methods of their application in the educational process.