Ximena Játiva, PhD
Insight Lead, Education, Skills and Learning, World Economic Forum
Technological advancements, the green transition, demographic shifts and geo-economic fragmentation are reshaping jobs and skills worldwide.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects that these trends will create 170 million new jobs, while 92 million will be displaced by 2030. Employers are responding by upskilling workers and embracing diverse talent to build a future-ready workforce.
Technology is reshaping jobs and skills
Large global employers expect technology to be the biggest driver of labour market change, with 86% anticipating AI and related innovations to transform their businesses by 2030. AI, robotics and energy generation are driving both the fastest-growing and fastest-declining job roles. Demand is surging for skills in AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, as well as technological literacy, which are projected to be among the fastest-growing skills.
Upskilling is critical to bridge skills gaps
Nearly 40% of today’s core work skills are changing or becoming outdated by 2030. Employers identify analytical thinking, resilience, leadership and curiosity as essential skills in 2025. These human-centric skills will remain crucial to meet future demands. Adapting to these labour market shifts will require 59% of workers to undergo training by 2030, with many gaining opportunities from employers to upskill, move into roles requiring new skills or transition from declining jobs into growing ones.
Nearly 40% of today’s core
work skills are changing or
becoming outdated by 2030.
Investing in talent for attraction and retention
Employers are rethinking talent attraction by focusing on employee health and wellbeing, effective skill development and career progression. Expanding access to talent pools, combined with recognising skills gained through work experience, is key to widening opportunities. Public sector support for funding and providing reskilling is highly beneficial to boost talent availability, according to these employers.
Preparing for a dynamic future
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 underscores the need for collaboration between businesses, education systems and governments to equip the workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead. To navigate technological and societal transformation, investing in early career pathways, targeted upskilling and inclusive hiring are central to building a diverse, adaptable and thriving workforce.
