Identifying Emerging Skill Needs

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 is full of insights and a must-read for anyone keen on understanding the evolving world of work. Here’s what stands out: ● The report emphasizes a dynamic shift in skill demands. Analytical thinking remains crucial but closely followed by resilience, flexibility, and agility. These skills are the pillars of success in a rapidly changing landscape. ● The rise of AI and Big Data skills is undeniable, topping the list of fastest-growing skills. However, it's not just about technical prowess. Creative thinking, curiosity, and lifelong learning are equally important. Therefore blending human ingenuity and artificial intelligence. ● Both individual learners and enterprises are seeking training in Generative AI, with India and the United States leading the charge. Individuals are focused on foundational knowledge, while organizations are prioritizing practical applications. ● Professionals with green skills are being hired at a significantly higher rate, and this trend has been consistently growing since May 2022. This indicates the increasing importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship in the job market. ● Even with the rise of AI, human-centered skills are more important than ever. Leadership and social influence have seen a significant increase in relevance. This highlights the need for workers who can lead teams, manage talent effectively, and adapt to sustainability and green transitions in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. ● The report makes it clear that continuous learning is not a luxury, it's a necessity. The need for reskilling and upskilling strategies to bridge emerging divides is urgent. Employers are primarily planning to fund training, but also see the value of government support. ● To attract and retain talent, companies are focusing on employee well-being, reskilling, and upskilling opportunities, and clear paths for career progression. ● Many companies are focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion measures, targeting groups such as those from low-income backgrounds and migrants. This is not just about social responsibility; it's about leveraging diverse talent pools for competitive advantage. Why this matters: This isn't just academic. It's a roadmap for individuals and organizations to navigate the changing world of work. Whether you're an employee looking to future-proof your career, or a business leader seeking to build a resilient workforce, understanding these trends is paramount. What's next? ● For individuals: Focus on continuous learning, develop both technical and human skills, and stay adaptable. ● For businesses: Invest in reskilling programs, embrace DEI, and create a culture of lifelong learning. ●For educators and policymakers: Support the development of future-ready skills and encourage collaboration between education and business. https://lnkd.in/dMK6ha_T

The World Economic Forum’s #FutureofJobsReport 2025 has just been published, on January 9th, and as always, it offers fascinating insights into the shifting dynamics of the global job market. It is a long report, with lots of valuable data. From my perspective, this chart may be the most interesting view included in it. A goldmine for reflection and strategy. The #fastest_growing_roles are - almost all of them - dominated by #AI: Data Specialists, Machine Learning Experts, FinTech Engineers, etc. Notably, green tech (e.g., Renewable Energy Engineers, Environmental Engineers) is also surging. This underscores how deeply intertwined AI and sustainability have become in shaping our economies. Organizations investing in these areas are not just future-proofing their business—they’re building the future. On the other end, #declining_roles reflect a shift toward #automation. Jobs like Bank Tellers, Cashiers, and Data Entry Clerks are rapidly shrinking, displaced by technology that offers efficiency and cost savings. While this presents significant challenges for those in these professions, it also highlights the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling. Some Implications for Leaders: 1. Talent Strategy Must Evolve: Leaders need to focus on cultivating talent pipelines for roles that didn’t exist a decade ago. From DevOps Engineers to UI/UX Designers, the demand for skills at the intersection of technology and creativity is exploding. 2. Reskilling is Non-Negotiable: Companies must view reskilling as an investment rather than a cost. Employees in declining roles need pathways into emerging professions—this is as much about social responsibility as it is about long-term competitiveness. 3. AI Adoption is Key—but Ethical AI Even More So: The integration of AI isn’t just a trend—it’s a foundational shift. But as we adopt AI in business processes, ensuring ethical and inclusive implementation will differentiate the winners from the rest. In addition, this chart doesn’t just speak to business; it speaks to the broader socio-economic fabric. The gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” in terms of skills is growing. If we fail to address this through public and private partnerships, we risk creating a polarized workforce—one half thriving in high-growth industries and the other struggling in declining sectors. For me, the biggest takeaway is that growth and decline are two sides of the same coin. Where some see loss, others see opportunity. The challenge is ensuring we don’t leave anyone behind in this transition. I really hope that our government leaders, educators, institutional representatives, top managers, and as many people as possible will see, understand, and act based on this data...

The last decade has ushered in unprecedented levels of change for the workforce - from the rise of hybrid working to the rapid integration of #AI in the workplace. To ensure the workforce is equipped to succeed, we need to do more than just respond to change. We need to anticipate it. The World Economic Forum #FutureofJobs report reveals that employers expect a mix of technical and human centric skills to be of increasing importance, with AI & big data at the top of the list: •       AI and big data •       Technological literacy •       Curiosity •       Resilience, flexibility and agility Crucially, however, some of the fastest-rising skills are not yet widely prioritized: cybersecurity and environmental stewardship are notable examples. These are areas where organizations may need to build capabilities before it becomes critical. Workforce transformation can’t just be reactive. It requires targeted skills development and career mobility strategies that prepare people for emerging roles – not just the ones that exist today. How are you—whether as a leader or an individual—investing in the skills that will shape the future of work?

🇪🇺 Digital Skills in Europe 2025: A Critical Wake-Up Call for Workforce Development! 🔎 The EU Science, Research and Innovation latest policy brief "Digital skills gaps - a closer look at the Digital Skills Index" reveals critical insights into Europe’s digital skills challenges and opportunities, with direct implications for Vocational Education and Training (VET) 👉 See: https://lnkd.in/dqZ_DrdY 🔍 Key Themes & Takeaways: 🌍 Digital Skills Gaps Are Widespread ▪️36% of Europeans lack basic digital skills , and 8% haven’t used the internet in 3 months. ▪️Weak areas : Cybersecurity (24% below-basic), digital content creation (25%), and problem-solving. ▪️VET Action : Prioritize cybersecurity, coding, and data literacy in curricula to address these gaps. 👥 Target Groups Need Tailored Support ▪️Manual workers (30pp higher risk) , the unemployed, and older adults are most at risk of low digital proficiency. ▪️Young people (16–24) with low education face a 43% chance of lacking basic skills (vs. 32% average). ▪️VET Action : Develop inclusive, accessible programs for high-risk groups, integrating digital skills into vocational pathways. 🏫 Education & Training Must Adapt ▪️The report emphasizes strengthening digital skills in compulsory education and VET . ▪️Only 15% of workers have received AI training, despite 61% anticipating skill needs from AI. ▪️VET Action : Align training with emerging tech demands (e.g., AI, data literacy) and offer lifelong learning opportunities. 💰 Policy & Funding Priorities ▪️€26.3B allocated to digital skills (2021–2027), with €15.4B targeting basic skills. ▪️Focus on monitoring initiative effectiveness to ensure resources reach vulnerable groups. ▪️VET Action : Advocate for funding and partnerships with employers to scale up skilling programs. 🛠️ Actionable conclusions for VET stakeholders ▪️Update Curricula : Embed cybersecurity, coding, and data literacy into vocational courses. ▪️Target High-Risk Groups : Design programs for manual workers, the unemployed, and low-educated youth. ▪️Leverage Lifelong Learning : Create flexible pathways for adults to upskill/reskill. ▪️Collaborate with Industry : Align training with labor market needs (e.g., AI literacy for jobs). ▪️Evaluate Programs : Ensure initiatives are evidence-based and impact-driven. 📌 Why This Matters ▪️Without urgent action, only 60% of Europeans will have basic digital skills by 2030—far below the EU’s 80% target. ▪️VET systems are pivotal in bridging this gap, fostering inclusivity, and preparing workers for a tech-driven future. #DigitalSkills #VocationalTraining #FutureOfWork #LifelongLearning #SkillsDevelopment Romina Cachia, PhD EU Employment & Skills Cedefop Eurofound European Training Foundation EfVET European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) European Vocational Training Association - EVTA EURASHE eucen

Most companies wait until they have an urgent problem before addressing workforce capability. But the ones building competitive advantage are investing in readiness before the gap becomes a crisis. Here are four areas where organizations need to focus: 𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗼 Automation specialists, data scientists, and AI integration roles require new training pathways. Companies that build apprenticeship programs and internal development tracks get ahead of skills bottlenecks before they slow growth. 𝟮. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗜 It's not enough to deploy AI tools. Teams need to understand how to integrate AI into their workflows, manage AI-driven processes, and improve performance through human-AI collaboration. 𝟯. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Skills assessments show what people can actually do, not just what their job titles suggest. Companies that map capabilities across their workforce can redeploy talent strategically and keep people engaged in roles where they can grow. 𝟰. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 Whether it's technical training, role-specific development, or management skills, companies need structured programs that prepare people for the work that's coming, not just the work that exists today. The retirement wave is gathering speed. Skills-based hiring is becoming the norm. Growth isn't waiting. What's your approach to workforce readiness right now?

Future-Proofing Talent in Life Sciences: What the WEF “Future of Jobs 2025” report reveals about our sector’s evolution The World Economic Forum’s latest insights into the Core Skills for 2030 in the Medical and Lifesciences sector paint a compelling picture of where our industry is heading—and how we should adapt. I am intrigued by the skills that are already considered core in 2025 and expected to increase in importance by 2030 (top right quadrant, filtered for medical and life sciences). These are not just abstract trends — they signal a deep transformation in how innovation, collaboration, and impact will be achieved in the coming decade: 🧠 Analytical thinking: The backbone of scientific decision-making, but now increasingly infused with the power of data science and AI. 🤔  Creative thinking: No longer a ‘soft’ skill, but a strategic capability to solve complex, cross-disciplinary challenges. 💡 AI and big data: Essential for everything from patient stratification to predictive toxicology—digital fluency is now non-negotiable. 🤝 Empathy and active listening: As models become more complex, so do stakeholder needs. Listening well becomes as critical as technical excellence. 🔍 Curiosity and lifelong learning: Rapid innovation cycles mean static knowledge expires fast. Teams must be agile and continuously evolving. 🕸 Systems thinking: Especially relevant where interconnectedness defines biological relevance and scientific progress in general -- no silos allowed! 🎯 Leadership, resilience, and social influence: The capacity to inspire, adapt, and align teams is emerging as a key differentiator. However, the report also flags certain skills in decline. One of them caught my attention: Reading, writing, and mathematics (bottom left quadrant). This could reflect the automation of routine tasks, the integration of advanced tools, or a shift toward higher-order thinking. But here lies a potential risk: Over-reliance on tools without a strong analytical foundation can undermine scientific rigor. Tools amplify insight; they should not replace it. For leaders in life sciences, the implications are clear: ✅ Invest in multidisciplinary teams that blend cognitive, emotional, and digital skills ✅ Build cultures that promote learning agility and curiosity ✅ Ensure foundational skills remain intact while enabling forward-looking capabilities The future of our field will be shaped not just by what we discover, but by how we think, lead, and connect. How is your organization preparing for these shifts? Here is a link to the full report: https://lnkd.in/eSY39RKF #FutureOfWork #LifeSciences #BiotechLeadership #Skills2030 #InSphero #WEF #DigitalTransformation #DataDrivenScience #EmpathyInLeadership #OrganOnChip #3DCellModels

Every two years, the World Economic Forum produces its Future of Jobs report, examining how the workforce will change over the next five years in different countries and sectors by examining how skills and jobs will vary. What I always find the most interesting, for my consulting business and as B-school faculty, is how the demand for skills is forecast to change. Take a look at this chart from the 2025 Future of Jobs report (link in the comments). It shows, based on a survey of business leaders, what skills are in demand now and are expected to be in demand in 2030. This matters to all of us because it gives us some hints about how you might need to reskill or upskill for continued professional success, or how to do the same for your team and workforce. If not, you may face challenges with employability or have a workforce that is not well-placed to face business challenges now and over the next five years.  Consider the chart's top row. How many of these skills do you have or excel at? Which can you develop to help you differentiate yourself from your competitors? The top right is the sweet spot, the Core Skills needed now, and whose importance will grow over the next five years. Some are what you’d expect–AI & Big Data, Technological Literacy–but most are what we could call soft skills…how we think and behave and interact with others. I’m happy to see Creative Thinking as a Core Skill. In the age of AI, our creativity will help us deliver innovations and new value. Creative Thinking is even more powerful when we leverage AI's abilities and when linked to Empathy and active Listening, another skill in that quadrant, and another area where we beat machines. Similarly, seeing Design and User Experience as an Emerging Skill in the top left quadrant is great. It goes hand in hand with Creative Thinking, but it’s that emphasis on experience that makes it so impactful. Whenever I teach Design Thinking, I like to highlight how creating human-centered experiences is ultimately what consumers respond the most positively to–think Apple–and so experience design is an increasingly effective path to business success. Finally, as a trainer, it’s also reassuring to see that Curiosity and Lifelong Learning are also seen as vital. A higher frequency of technological disruptions means that the ability to reinvent yourself will be even more critical over the coming decades. How will you prepare yourself for those upcoming disruptions? The WEF’s insights give us some hints about where to start.  #Futureofwork #creativity #reskilling

Most people are preparing for the wrong future. The real disruptor isn’t AI. It’s the gap between the skills we think matter and the ones that actually will. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report mapped the core skills we’ll need most by 2030. It’s not all technical. Yes, AI and Big Data made the list. But so did empathy. Curiosity. And the ability to adapt in real time. What matters now isn’t mastering one tool. It’s building the range and resilience to navigate constant change. Here are the 11 skills rising fastest in value: → AI & big data Ability to work with, interpret and apply AI systems and large-scale data tools → Technological literacy Ability to adopt, adapt to and make use of digital tools and emerging tech → Creative thinking Ability to generate original ideas and think beyond conventional solutions → Resilience, flexibility and agility Ability to recover from setbacks, adapt to change and keep moving forward → Curiosity and lifelong learning Desire and ability to learn continuously and pursue growth → Leadership and social influence Ability to inspire, influence and lead people effectively → Talent management Ability to attract, grow and retain high-performing talent → Analytical thinking Ability to break down information and solve problems through clear reasoning → Systems thinking Ability to understand how parts connect and how change affects the whole → Motivation and self-awareness Understanding of your own drivers, mindset and growth areas → Empathy and active listening Ability to understand others and listen with attention and care This isn’t just a skills list. It’s a signal. Of what will be rewarded. And what will be replaceable. The standout performers of the next decade won’t be the most technical. They’ll be the most adaptable. Which of these are you intentionally developing this year? ♻ Repost to help your network future proof themselves. ➕ Follow Liam Darmody for more.

SkillsFuture Singapore Unveils Jobs Skills Resources to Monitor Labour Market Dynamics and Bridge the Talent-Opportunity Gap The highly anticipated Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 2025 has been released. Key insights summary: a.       While skills requirement for most job roles remained relatively stable, the use of Applications and Tools (Apps & Tools) at work has evolved most rapidly. AI-related Apps & Tools now comprise 22.6% of all known Apps & Tools in Singapore. The top three work functions utilising AI-related Apps & Tools are Information Technology, Engineering, and Research. b.       The Creative Industries spotlight in SDFE2025 revealed that these industries use more than 3,000 Apps & Tools. The top three work functions utilising the most Apps & Tools are Marketing (37%), Arts and Design (27%), and Media and Communication (17%). A survey of Creative Professionals indicates that more than 60% have used or are considering using GenAI in their work with 85% agreeing that the GenAI tools have impact on their work. c.       71 skills (40 in Digital Economy, 19 in Care Economy and 12 in Green Economy) were consistently in high demand and were highly transferable across occupations. This trend is expected to continue into 2025. 11 skills are poised to capture greater demand and transferability in the future, out of which 7 are GenAI related skills. d.       By combining data on salary, job demand, job growth, skills similarity, and historical transition data, SSG has developed a Skills and Job Mobility Dashboard to support job mobility planning. The analysis was limited to 342 job roles which had wage data available and further narrowed down to those in demand by employers and are growing in demand. The dashboard also recommends skills top-up and identifies relevant Career Conversion Programmes and SkillsFuture Career Transition Programmes. e.       Other essential resources available on the Jobs-Skills Portal include updated Skills Framework data, and dashboards such as the Jobs-Skills dashboard, Job Requirements dashboard, and Skills and Job Mobility dashboard. Gain access to these insights and dashboards. Watch videos that feature industry leaders and their outlook on the skills needs. All these and more, with the Skills Demand For The Future Economy Report 2025. Get the report now at https://lnkd.in/gaBR7uSQ  #SkillsFuture Singapore, #Upskilling, #Lifelong Learning, #Workforce Singapore

🚀 The Future of UX: Emerging Specializations You Need to Know The field of UX design is evolving rapidly, giving rise to new career specializations with high demand and low competition. If you're looking to future-proof your career, here are three emerging areas worth exploring: 🔹 AX (Agent Experience) Design With the rise of AI agents that perform tasks on our behalf—like booking restaurants or navigating search results—AX design is all about creating intuitive experiences for these AI systems. Understanding AI behavior, APIs, and user interactions with agents will be crucial for this role. 🔹 VUI (Voice User Interface) Design As AI-powered voice assistants become more integrated into our daily lives, designing seamless, conversational experiences is a growing need. Unlike traditional UI, voice interfaces demand expertise in error handling, linguistics, and user psychology. 🔹 Sustainable UX Design With digital products impacting the environment more than ever, UX designers are now focusing on energy-efficient interfaces, ethical data usage, and sustainable design principles. The goal? Minimize environmental impact while enhancing user experience. These specializations are still in their early stages, meaning now is the perfect time to develop the skills and stand out in the industry. 🚀 👉 Which of these areas excites you the most? Let’s discuss in the comments! #UXDesign #AI #CareerGrowth #VoiceUI #SustainableDesign