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In a rapidly changing global economy, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 provides a crucial lens into the transformations reshaping industries and workforce dynamics. Published amid a convergence of technological advancement, demographic shifts, and geopolitical tensions, the report reveals a compelling narrative about the future of work.
Over 170 million new jobs are anticipated by 2030, while 92 million roles are expected to be displaced, resulting in a net increase of 78 million positions. Yet, these optimistic numbers are tempered by a critical challenge: the widening skills gap that threatens to hinder progress if left unaddressed.
The findings, derived from data provided by more than 1,000 global employers spanning 55 economies, offer a stark reminder of the importance of collective action across governments, businesses, and educational institutions. With over 39 per cent of workers’ core skills projected to evolve significantly by 2030, the report underscores the urgency of reskilling and upskilling initiatives to bridge the divide between current capabilities and future demands.
Technology: A driver of change
Central to the report is the impact of technology, particularly the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cybersecurity. These forces are not merely reshaping industries; they are redefining the very nature of work.
AI, in particular, has emerged as a transformative driver, with 86 per cent of surveyed employers identifying it as a major influence on their business models by the decade’s end. Its potential to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and unlock new opportunities is offset by the automation of certain roles, creating a dual challenge of embracing innovation while mitigating disruption.
The report paints a nuanced picture of the job landscape. While roles such as software developers, AI specialists, and environmental engineers are expected to experience significant growth, clerical and administrative positions face steep declines as automation takes hold.
However, technological skills alone will not suffice. Human-centric attributes like analytical thinking, resilience, and creativity are highlighted as equally vital, underscoring the necessity for a workforce that combines technical proficiency with adaptability and problem-solving abilities.
The dual role of skills: Technical and human
These findings emphasise the critical need for a balanced skillset in the workforce. As industries adopt advanced technologies, technical skills in AI, cybersecurity, and big data will be indispensable.
At the same time, human-centric skills—such as leadership, flexibility, and the ability to navigate complex problems—will remain foundational.
This duality ensures that while machines can handle repetitive or data-intensive tasks, human creativity and adaptability will continue to provide the strategic edge necessary for innovation.
Impact on cybersecurity, eDiscovery, and information governance
These broader trends resonate deeply with cybersecurity, information governance, and eDiscovery professionals, fields where technology and human expertise intersect in critical ways.
As industries confront growing volumes of data and increasing cybersecurity threats, the demand for specialised skills in these areas continues to rise. Information Security Analysts are among the fastest-growing roles, a reflection of escalating geopolitical tensions and the expanded attack surface created by digital transformation.
Professionals in this domain must be equipped not only with technical acumen but also with the capacity to navigate complex regulatory environments and manage risks associated with cross-border data flows.
For eDiscovery practitioners, the implications of AI are profound. The adoption of generative AI tools is accelerating the pace and precision of tasks like document review and predictive coding. These advancements offer opportunities to streamline workflows and reduce costs, but they also demand a recalibration of skills.
Expertise in AI literacy, from understanding algorithms to managing AI-driven outputs, is becoming a foundational competency. Furthermore, the ability to interpret and apply insights generated by AI tools in compliance with legal standards is more critical than ever.
Addressing the skills gap
The global skills gap emerges as a central challenge in the report. Sixty-three per cent of surveyed employers identified this deficit as a primary barrier to transformation.
This challenge is especially pronounced in industries like cybersecurity and eDiscovery, where rapidly advancing technologies demand specialised training.
Reskilling initiatives are critical to bridging this gap, enabling professionals to acquire new technical proficiencies while enhancing their capacity for collaboration and strategic thinking.
Demographics and workforce challenges
Demographic shifts add another layer of complexity to the workforce transformation. Aging populations in high-income economies are driving demand for healthcare and education roles, while expanding working-age populations in developing regions present both opportunities and challenges.
For industries like cybersecurity and information governance, these demographic changes necessitate strategies to attract and retain talent across diverse geographic and cultural contexts. Addressing these shifts effectively requires robust talent management frameworks and an emphasis on creating inclusive workplaces.
A call to action
Perhaps most compellingly, the Future of Jobs Report 2025 emphasises the need for a balance between technology and humanity. While automation and AI are poised to transform the nature of work, the enduring value of human ingenuity and collaboration remains clear.
For professionals in cybersecurity, information governance, and eDiscovery, this balance is particularly critical. The ability to combine technical knowledge with ethical judgment, leadership, and strategic thinking will be essential in steering organisations through the complexities of the digital age.
The report serves as both a call to action and a roadmap for navigating an uncertain future. It challenges stakeholders to move beyond incremental change and embrace a bold vision for workforce development. By investing in skills that marry technological expertise with human adaptability, industries can not only harness the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution but also build a more resilient and equitable global workforce.
For eDiscovery, cybersecurity, and information governance professionals, the insights from the report offer a glimpse into the trajectory of their fields. The demand for expertise in managing data, mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance is only set to grow. By staying ahead of technological trends and cultivating the skills required to thrive in a dynamic environment, these professionals can position themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The road to 2030 is fraught with challenges but also rich with opportunity. As the Future of Jobs Report 2025 makes clear, the future of work is not something to be passively observed—it is something to be actively shaped. For those willing to embrace change and invest in their development, the possibilities are boundless.
Read the complete article at Upskilling for Tomorrow: Insights from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025. Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash.
This content has been produced in collaboration with a partner organisation through our Global Visibility Programme. Our programme helps companies and organisations boost their digital presence and strengthen the thought leadership of their experts. Find out more here.
