From scepticism to confidence: digitalisation as a job engine

Result

Since 1998, Google has provided answers to search queries, the first iPhone was launched in 2007, and TikTok has offered a popular platform for creating and sharing short videos on social media since 2018. All these programs, and numerous others, have had a significant impact on citizens' leisure activities, communication methods, information searches, shopping habits, and the use of various services over the past quarter-century. In parallel, numerous new fields of work and professions have emerged: from data scientists and web developers to social media managers and IT security experts, all the way to online marketing specialists and influencers. Looking ahead, two-thirds of citizens anticipate numerous additional—as yet unknown—professional fields arising from future digital developments. Twenty-five years ago, only about one in four was optimistic about new job opportunities through digitalization. Ten years ago, more than half already recognized the potential of digital transformation to create new career prospects.

Reasons

There are several reasons for the shift in public perception regarding the creation of new jobs through digitalization. Numerous companies and industries have invested heavily in integrating digital technologies in recent years, leading to a broader awareness of the diverse opportunities offered by new job profiles. Most citizens now conduct their banking digitally, online shopping is on the rise, and terms like virtual reality, social media, the Internet of Things, smart homes, big data, cybercrime, and artificial intelligence are familiar to almost everyone. Startups have also created new opportunities and services, further contributing to greater acceptance and new fields of work. At the same time, educational institutions and policymakers have recognized the importance of promoting digital skills, introducing new degree programs and school subjects, providing hardware and software, and creating online resources to facilitate employees' adaptation to the increasingly digitalized world of work. All of these developments have strengthened confidence in the positive impact of digitalization on employment.

Forecast

The labor market is undergoing a transformation, with certain professions declining in importance while new fields emerge. The increasing digitalization of everyday life will drive the creation of numerous new career paths, including in artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, human enhancement, and augmented reality. Future employees will engage with the corresponding infrastructures, opportunities, and challenges in these and other innovative fields. Furthermore, a growing number of employees will work from home, adapting to these new circumstances and requirements. Lifelong learning will play a crucial role, enabling employees to maintain their skills and relevance. In conclusion, digitalization will continue to be a significant driver of job creation, thus offering a wealth of opportunities for the future of work.