The future of work appears to be promising, with experts predicting plentiful and rewarding opportunities for individuals. Building new skills will be crucial for success in the next 50 years. Public sector organizations and their private sector partners are well-positioned to maximize prosperity by understanding and adapting to the factors that will shape the 21st-century economy. Emerging technologies and cultural transformations will continue to impact the day-to-day experiences of workers, but organizations and communities can adapt and thrive. Building a sustainable future economy requires circular and nature-friendly economic models, as well as prioritizing collective flourishing, mental health, and creativity. Several sectors with significant job-creating potential have been identified, including a care-based economy, regenerative industries, holistic security, regenerative agriculture, localized knowledge exchanges, prosumerism, and participatory entertainment and art. To prepare for these opportunities, individuals should cultivate bionic skills, creativity, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Governments should prioritize collaboration, lifelong learning, tech literacy, dialogue, and problem-solving to support future-ready talent. By embracing a proactive attitude, economies can benefit from the economic opportunities and occupational areas that will emerge in the future of work.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| The outlook for work in the next 50 years is cautiously optimistic | Change in the nature of work and employment | Rewarding work options will be plentiful | Building new skills for sustainability and personal satisfaction |
| Emerging technologies and cultural transformations will change the day-to-day experience of workers | Change in the way work is performed | Work experience will be influenced by generative AI and younger generations | Advancements in technology and shifting demographics |
| Future economy must stay within certain boundaries for prosperous job cultivation | Change in economic models and policies | A future economy that sustains promising economic models | Ensuring prosperity and avoiding harmful outcomes |
| Economies need to become circular and nature-friendly | Change in economic practices | Circular and nature-friendly economies for sustainability | Investing in nature-based solutions and sustainable practices |
| Production and consumption will be linked in communities | Change in the relationship between production and consumption | Communities with personalized production systems | DIY model of production and personalized products |
| Human-to-human connections will be a priority in the value-creation process | Change in the focus of value creation | Care-based economy with emphasis on community health and mental health | Prioritizing collective flourishing and stronger social foundations |
| Bionic skills and creativity will be in high demand | Change in the most sought-after skills | Increased demand for bionic skills and creativity | Adaptability and entrepreneurial mindset also important |
| Collaborative efforts on regional and national levels will drive workforce development | Change in collaboration models | Collaborative efforts to build employee skills through digital platforms | Regional and national collaborations for skill development |
| Education should focus on tech literacy and bionic skills | Change in education priorities | Tech literacy and bionic skills emphasized in early education | Education programs based on a learning ecosystem paradigm |
| Proactive attitude towards the future is crucial for desirable scenarios | Change in approach to the future | Proactive approach to embrace desirable scenarios | Avoiding reactive policymaking and embracing change |