The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 provides critical insights into global labour market changes

• Both reports underscore the need for educational strategies that are aligned with the rapidly evolving demands of the global economy, emphasizing technological advancements, demographic shifts, and green transitions.

Key Findings from the Reports

• Technological Advancement: 60% of employers recognize technological change and digital access as major drivers of labour market transformation.
• Digital Access: The digital revolution is expected to reshape industries and job functions, highlighting the need for technological literacy and digital skills in the workforce.
• Economic Uncertainties: 50% of employers cite economic factors, such as job displacement, as key forces reshaping industries.
• Job Displacement: While 170 million new jobs are expected to emerge, 92 million roles could become obsolete due to economic disruptions and technological innovations.
• Green Transition: The green transition driven by climate change mitigation is identified as a dual force Job creation in renewable energy and environmental fields. The need for businesses to adapt due to geopolitical tensions and climate action.
• Upskilling and Training: 59 out of 100 workers will need training in crucial skills such as analytical thinking, resilience, and technological literacy.
• Future Innovation: India’s performance in future-oriented innovation and sustainability is alarmingly low, with a score of just 15.6 out of 100.

Way Forward

• Bridging Skill Gap: The findings emphasize a transformative opportunity for India to align its education system with the evolving global labour market and workforce demands.
• Focus Areas : Curriculum innovation, faculty capacity, infrastructure, and equitable access are central to this transformation. Collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers is essential to design an effective educational framework.
• Critical Thinking: The development of creativity, critical thinking, resilience, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills should be central to higher education.
• Green Education: A green curriculum is critical for addressing future global environmental challenges. 
  • Institutions should establish specialised centres for sustainability research, offer courses on green technologies and practices, and support student-led community initiatives addressing local environmental concerns.
• Collaboration: Collaboration with the private sector is essential for bridging the education-industry gap.
•  Enhancing Faculty Capacity: Faculty development should be a priority, with universities implementing comprehensive training programmes for educators.
• Systemic Reforms: The government must spearhead reforms by increasing investments in skill development, research, and innovation.

Conclusion

India’s higher education system must undergo a paradigm shift to remain agile and future-focused, ensuring that students are equipped to thrive in the evolving global economy.
Policy reforms, investment in infrastructure, and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial for aligning education with future workforce demands.

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