Paperjam is continuing its dive into the report on the future of the global labour market, published to coincide with the World Economic Forum in Davos, which ends on Friday 24 January. After , and , the third and final section looks at the transformation of skills between now and 2030. The analyses in the report are based on the responses of around a thousand “big” employers surveyed in some 50 countries prior to the Davos meeting.

The current situation...

In 2025, analytical thinking will be the most sought-after skill. Seven out of 10 companies consider it essential. Resilience, flexibility and agility are close behind, says the report, followed by leadership.

Since 2023--when the last report of this type was released--the skills that have progressed the most are leadership (+22 points), resilience and agility (+17), as well as AI and big data (both +17).

... and in five years

In 2030, the essential skills that will have continued to develop will be AI, big data, analytical and creative thinking, not forgetting flexibility, resilience and technological culture.

Despite technological advances, human skills (leadership, social influence, curiosity, systems thinking, talent management) will also remain paramount, employers predict.

Certain emerging fields, such as networks, cybersecurity and environmental management, are experiencing rapid growth. Although these are not yet priorities for many companies, they will become so by 2030.

Conversely, certain skills that are essential today (empathy, active listening, service orientation, resource management) will remain stable in the years to come, say business leaders.

Drivers of change

As we wrote in the first two articles on this report, there are five main trends that will profoundly transform the labour market over the next five years: technological change; geo-economic fragmentation; the green transition; demographic change; and economic uncertainty. As a result, each of these dynamics will influence the skills required.

- Technological change. Major advances in AI, big data and cybersecurity, as well as the expansion of digital networks, will have a decisive impact on the search for skills. As AI and information processing technologies develop, the demand for skills in data analysis, systems thinking and analytical thinking will increase significantly.

At the same time, specific skills related to user experience, digital marketing and digital media will grow. This is due to the increased importance of providing seamless digital experiences and understanding the impact of consumer behaviour, the report states.

Robots and autonomous systems will also play a key role, requiring skills in programming and managing autonomous technologies. These systems will boost demand for advanced technical skills and the ability to manage interactions with automated technologies. Combined with AI, robotisation will lead to the automation of certain traditional tasks and should therefore reduce demand for skills such as manual dexterity, stamina or basic reading, writing and mathematical skills.

Although certain technological skills, such as programming, are in increasing demand, the document points out that technology generates contradictory effects. It can both create jobs and eliminate others. The ability to collaborate effectively with automated systems will become crucial to the adaptability of employees.

- Geo-economic fragmentation and economic uncertainty. Increasing cyber security threats and geopolitical tensions will contribute to the growth of skills in digital security and critical infrastructure management. Increased digital access and heightened security concerns will force businesses to focus more on data protection and network management skills.

At the same time, resilience, agility, flexibility, leadership and social influence skills will become increasingly important. These skills must enable organisations to maintain their competitiveness despite repeated crises (economic, health, climatic) and the instability that ensues.

Coupled with increasing trade restrictions, the global economic slowdown amplifies the need for creativity and resilience skills. Skills that will become fundamental to navigating constrained economic markets. Employers anticipate that organisations will need to innovate constantly.

- The green transition. Companies will increasingly incorporate sustainability into their development strategies. The energy sector will generate demand for skills related to environmental management and solutions for adapting to climate change. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions will require employees to acquire skills in areas such as natural resource management, energy strategy and sustainable design.

- Demographic changes. An ageing population and a declining workforce will increase demand for skills in talent management, mentoring and self-awareness. Managing generational diversity will become essential to meet the specific needs of older employees, while enabling less experienced workers to join intergenerational teams. In short, it's a balancing act.

As a result, the emphasis will be on interpersonal skills such as empathy, active listening and relationship management to foster inclusive work environments.

The weapon of training

Forced to react, employers are increasingly investing in upskilling and reskilling. A global survey quoted in the report reveals that 50% of employees took part in training in 2024, compared to 41% in 2023.

In addition, 41% of employees will not necessarily require significant training by 2030, says the report. Just under one-third (29%) will require training and upskilling in their current role. One out of five (19%) would be upskilled and re-deployed within the organisation.

This article was originally published in .