Traditional roles such as farmworkers, delivery drivers, construction workers, food processing staff, and salespersons are projected to grow the most in absolute numbers over the next five years, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs report.
However, tech jobs requiring skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will see the highest demand in percentage terms. In India, specialists in Big Data, AI, ML, and security management are particularly sought after.
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The WEF report highlights structural factors reshaping the workforce globally. Challenges like broadening digital access, rising living costs, climate change mitigation, demographic shifts, and geopolitical fragmentation are expected to displace 92 million jobs, or 8% of the workforce. At the same time, these trends could create 170 million new jobs, equivalent to 14% of the current workforce.
In India, digital access, geopolitical tensions, and climate efforts are driving the job market. Companies are heavily investing in AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and energy technologies. Indian employers are also outpacing global peers in adopting semiconductors, computing technologies, quantum systems, and encryption to transform operations.
AI skills are gaining traction worldwide, with the US and India seeing the highest enrolment. Corporate sponsorship in India is boosting the adoption of Generative AI training.
Globally, analytical thinking remains the most valued skill, with seven in 10 companies listing it as essential by 2025. Resilience, flexibility, agility, leadership, and social influence also rank highly.
The report identifies skill gaps as a major challenge for businesses. Workers should expect 39% of their existing skills to become outdated or transformed by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for upskilling and adaptability in the evolving job landscape.