The future of work is expected to be positive, with abundant opportunities for those who develop new skills. Research by BCG, involving over 150 futurists, indicates that sectors such as regenerative industries and creativity-driven roles will thrive. Key to this future is the collaboration between public and private sectors to create supportive policies. Critical boundaries for a successful economy include sustainable practices, social foundations, and mental health. Emerging sectors with job potential include care-based economies, regenerative agriculture, and localized knowledge exchanges. To prepare for this evolution, leaders must foster adaptability, entrepreneurial mindsets, and continuous learning through effective public policies and education systems.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerging Technologies in the Workplace | Generative AI and other technologies are reshaping work experiences for employees. | The shift from traditional work methods to tech-driven processes is creating new job roles. | In 10 years, workplaces will be highly automated, requiring advanced tech skills and adaptability from workers. | The rapid advancement of technology and its integration into daily work routines. | 4 |
| Care-Based Economy | Human connections and care services are prioritized in future economies. | Transitioning from product-centric to care-centric economies emphasizes social value and well-being. | In 10 years, care-based services will dominate job creation, focusing on community health and support. | Growing recognition of mental health and social well-being as critical economic factors. | 5 |
| Localized Knowledge Exchanges | Emerging networks for knowledge sharing among local organizations are evolving. | Moving from global knowledge networks to localized, community-based learning ecosystems. | In 10 years, localized knowledge exchanges will enhance community resilience and innovation. | The need for tailored solutions and collaboration within communities to address local challenges. | 4 |
| Regenerative Industries | Shifts towards nature-based and circular processes in manufacturing and construction. | Evolving from linear production models to regenerative practices that enhance environmental sustainability. | In 10 years, industries will prioritize ecological sustainability, creating diverse job opportunities. | Growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable practices. | 5 |
| Participatory Entertainment and Art | Integration of entertainment, learning, and community building in future leisure activities. | Transitioning from passive consumption to active participation in creative experiences and arts. | In 10 years, communities will have thriving participatory art sectors that enhance social cohesion. | The desire for meaningful experiences and connections in a digital age. | 4 |
| Prosumerism | Rise of consumer-driven production models in local economies. | Shifting from traditional consumerism to prosumerism, where consumers also produce goods. | In 10 years, local production systems will tailor products to specific community needs, enhancing sustainability. | The convergence of technology and community needs driving localized production. | 4 |
| Holistic Security Approaches | A comprehensive view of security addressing multiple threats simultaneously. | Moving from siloed security measures to integrated strategies that consider diverse risks. | In 10 years, holistic security will be essential for businesses, creating new job roles in risk management. | The evolving landscape of global risks necessitating a unified approach to security. | 5 |
| Mental Health and Creativity Focus | A growing emphasis on creativity as a key component of mental health. | Shifting from basic mental health services to integrating creativity as a therapeutic tool. | In 10 years, creative sectors will flourish, significantly contributing to mental health and community well-being. | Rising mental health awareness prompting the integration of creative therapies in various sectors. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Impact of Emerging Technologies on Workforce | The rapid adoption of AI and other technologies may displace workers if not managed wisely, leading to unemployment and social unrest. | 5 |
| Environmental Sustainability | Failure to adopt circular and nature-friendly economic models could exacerbate climate change and biodiversity loss, jeopardizing future generations. | 5 |
| Social Disparities and Mental Health | The rise of a care-based economy and the emphasis on human connections may not fully address the deepening social inequalities and mental health crises. | 4 |
| Holistic Security Risks | New security threats arising from technological advancements could overwhelm existing systems, leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable and unprepared. | 5 |
| Disinformation and Mental Health | Widespread disinformation can adversely affect public mental health and societal cohesion, necessitating effective communication strategies. | 4 |
| Skill Gap and Workforce Readiness | As job requirements evolve rapidly, a significant skills gap may emerge, risking competitiveness in a changing economic landscape. | 5 |
| Localized Production Vulnerabilities | Transitioning to DIY and localized production models may face challenges related to scalability and consistency, leading to economic instability. | 4 |
| Cultural Transformation Challenges | Failure to adapt to the rising influence of younger generations may lead to friction and lost opportunities in workforce dynamics. | 3 |
| Global Collaboration Inequities | Disparities in access to resources and training opportunities may hinder the effectiveness of global collaboration for problem-solving. | 4 |
| Dependence on Entrepreneurship for Job Creation | Over-reliance on entrepreneurial ecosystems for employment growth may leave many at risk if these markets do not fully develop. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Circular and Nature-Friendly Economies | Economies shifting towards sustainable, circular models and nature-friendly processes to comply with planetary boundaries. | 5 |
| DIY Production Models | Adoption of DIY models for production and distribution, allowing consumers to create their own products, reducing environmental impact. | 4 |
| Care-Based Economy | A growing focus on human-to-human connections and care services, including mental health support and community health management. | 5 |
| Holistic Security Approaches | Adopting a comprehensive view of security risks, addressing multiple threats like cybersecurity and climate security simultaneously. | 4 |
| Localized Knowledge Exchanges | Emergence of community-based knowledge sharing and collaboration networks to exchange best practices and skills. | 3 |
| Prosumerism | Integration of production and consumption, enabling consumers to produce goods for personal use or sale. | 4 |
| Participatory Entertainment and Art | Growth of sectors blending entertainment, learning, and art, emphasizing shared experiences and community engagement. | 4 |
| Bionic Skills and Creativity Demand | Increasing need for bionic skills and creativity among workers to navigate future job markets and economic changes. | 5 |
| Entrepreneurial Mindset Development | Encouraging entrepreneurial thinking to foster self-employment and small business creation in evolving economies. | 4 |
| Focus on Mental Health and Creativity | Prioritizing mental health and creative expression as essential components of personal and societal well-being. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Generative AI | AI systems that can generate content, such as text, images, or music, enhancing creativity and productivity in various sectors. | 5 |
| Biodegradable Materials | Materials like biodegradable fungi bricks and seaweed-based substitutes that replace traditional non-renewable resources in construction and packaging. | 5 |
| DIY Production Models | A production approach where consumers use digital blueprints to create products themselves, reducing environmental impact. | 4 |
| Nature-Based Solutions | Approaches that integrate natural processes into economic activities to enhance sustainability and combat climate challenges. | 5 |
| Holistic Security Models | Security strategies that address multiple risks such as cybersecurity and climate security in a comprehensive manner. | 4 |
| Localized Knowledge Exchanges | Collaborative efforts among workers from different organizations to share knowledge and best practices in local ecosystems. | 4 |
| Prosumerism | A model where consumers actively participate in the production of goods, often facilitated by technologies like AI and 3D printing. | 4 |
| Participatory Entertainment and Art | Sectors that blend entertainment, learning, and community engagement, often utilizing technologies like the metaverse. | 4 |
| Regenerative Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry | Sustainable practices in food production that enhance ecosystems while providing job opportunities. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Future Work Opportunities | Experts predict abundant rewarding work opportunities due to skill development, contrary to fears of job scarcity. | 5 |
| Economic Sustainability | The shift towards circular and nature-friendly economies is crucial for compliance with planetary boundaries and addressing climate change. | 5 |
| DIY Production Models | Adopting smaller, secure production models can reduce environmental impact and enhance supply chain flexibility. | 4 |
| Collective Flourishing | Prioritizing social foundations that emphasize human connections and community support is essential for societal well-being. | 5 |
| Mental Health and Creativity | Addressing mental health through creative expression and community-building is vital for individual and societal health. | 4 |
| Care-Based Economy | The importance of human connections in job creation highlights the potential of a care-based economy. | 5 |
| Holistic Security Approaches | Adopting a holistic approach to security can address multiple risks simultaneously, enhancing job creation in this sector. | 4 |
| Localized Knowledge Sharing | Emerging networks for localized knowledge exchanges will create new roles and enhance community collaboration. | 4 |
| Prosumerism | Linking production and consumption in local communities is set to increase job opportunities through personalized goods production. | 4 |
| Participatory Entertainment and Art | Emerging sectors blending entertainment, learning, and art will create jobs and foster community engagement. | 3 |