Overview
- Based on surveys of more than 1,000 companies representing 14 million workers in 55 economies, the WEF identifies technology, the green transition, economic uncertainty and population aging as the main drivers of change.
- Agriculture is forecast to lead net job creation with 34 million positions, with rising demand also expected for delivery drivers, software developers, construction workers and health and care roles.
- Half of workers have already taken upskilling in 2025, yet the WEF warns one in ten will need retraining without access, raising inequality risks.
- Industry adoption is outpacing preparedness, with MiQ reporting 72% of marketers plan to expand AI use in the next year while only 45% feel confident applying it, a 27‑point gap.
- Governance and research efforts are intensifying as Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu cautions about inequality and democratic strain, the Google‑backed cAIre and OdiseIA projects gather expert and public input, and EU AI rules begin phased implementation.