Towards a reskilling revolution: Industry-led action for the future of work

Policy Reports

Summary

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is significantly impacting the global labor market through the integration of new technologies, leading to the automation of many manual and cognitive tasks while also creating new job opportunities. US companies are rapidly adopting technologies like big data analytics, the Internet of Things, machine learning, and cloud computing to stay competitive. However, these advancements are hindered by skill gaps in the labor market, with 60% of US companies citing this as a barrier. There is a growing demand for roles like software developers and data analysts, while positions like secretaries and cashiers are expected to decline. To navigate these changes, companies must focus on reskilling their workforce and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. The evolving job landscape will prioritize digital skills and human-centric abilities such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, while physical and some mental skills will become less relevant.