New Economy Skills Unlocking the Human Advantage 2025

Foreword Competitiveness in the new economy – one that is shaped by widespread prosperity, resilient communities and inclusive growth – will be defined not by capital or technology alone, but by how effectively economies cultivate talent and human potential. As economies navigate transformations driven by technological advancement, demographic shifts, the green transition and geoeconomic fragmentation and uncertainty, the defining feature of economic dynamism remains human. Economies that invest in people – enhancing education, learning and adaptability – recover faster from shocks, generate more innovation and achieve more resilient growth. In a world where self-reliance and interdependence must coexist, the economies that thrive will be those that build domestic talent ecosystems while remaining connected to global talent flows. At the organization level, employers predict that nearly 40% of the core skills required to do jobs will be disrupted in the next five years. At the same time, 170 million new roles are expected to be created, even as 92 million are displaced. In this fast-changing landscape, almost 80% of employers say that reskilling and upskilling will be critical for their business strategy. While we cannot neatly predict the full range of future jobs in this rapidly evolving environment, there is an opportunity to align on the “big bets” that employers, governments and individuals should be making when it comes to building a skills infrastructure to ensure that economies and workers are ready for the opportunities of the new economy. Many countries are already demonstrating how strategic investments in education and technology diffusion can rapidly move them up the global value chain. Across all economies, the ability to attract, retain and empower talent that can adapt, create and collaborate will determine future competitiveness. The New Economy Skills series aims to provide guidance on skills that should be prioritized to ensure business and economies have the talent to deliver on innovation, resilience and growth priorities. It identifies the core capabilities that will power inclusive and sustainable growth: 1. Human-centric skills: a set of uniquely human abilities – such as collaboration, critical thinking and emotional intelligence – that enable effective interaction, problem solving and decision-making. 2. AI, data and digital skills: the ability to use digital technologies, analyse and interpret data, and apply artificial intelligence (AI) tools and concepts to solve problems and drive innovation. 3. Green and sustainability skills: knowledge and abilities required to support environmental stewardship, promote sustainable practices and contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. 4. Trade and vocational skills: specialized, hands-on abilities gained through training or experience that are essential for performing tasks in manual or technical occupations. 5. Business skills: the combined ability to confidently manage tasks and challenges while applying practical business competencies such as project and financial management. This first instalment focuses on human-centric skills – the capabilities that allow individuals, organizations and societies to adapt to change and lead transformation. Investing in human skills is not just preparation for the future of work, it is the foundation of the future of growth. Saadia Zahidi Managing Director World Economic Forum New Economy Skills: Unlocking the Human AdvantageDecember 2025 New Economy Skills: Unlocking the Human Advantage 3