Talent Marketplace
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, AI and digitalization are profoundly reshaping the global job market, creating a complex dynamic of job displacement, creation, and transformation across various regions and sectors.
**Job Displacement and Creation**
By 2030, AI is projected to displace about 92 million existing jobs worldwide, while simultaneously creating approximately 170 million new jobs[1], resulting in a net gain but requiring significant workforce adaptation. By 2025, estimates suggest around 85 million jobs could be replaced by AI-driven automation[2].
**Impact on Access and Job Mobility**
AI adoption is affecting nearly 26% of the global workforce as of 2025, with projections rising to 38% within five years and 44% in ten years[3]. This widespread reach means job mobility is influenced unevenly across regions and sectors, depending on the degree of digital infrastructure, AI adoption rates, and economic development.
**Demand for Technical and Soft Skills**
AI is shifting the skills landscape dramatically. Approximately 40% of current job skills are expected to become outdated by 2030, prompting higher demand for technical skills such as AI management, data analysis, programming, and cloud computing. However, the need for soft skills—emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, and communication—is rising because many routine tasks become automated while human-centric roles grow in importance[1][2].
**Jobs at Risk and Safe Roles**
Lower-skill and repetitive jobs like customer service, receptionists, and bookkeeping are most vulnerable as AI automates routine tasks effectively[2]. Conversely, roles requiring complex decision-making, creativity, and social interaction remain safer. The evolving market increasingly rewards hybrid skill sets combining technical proficiency with interpersonal abilities.
**Regional Differences**
The impact varies by industry and region. Manufacturing and finance sectors see massive AI-driven productivity gains (potentially trillions in extra value-added globally by 2035), but also significant job disruption[3]. Regions with faster AI adoption and supportive digital infrastructure benefit more from new job creation and mobility, while others may lag due to skill gaps and limited digital access.
**Empowering Individuals for the Future**
In light of these transformations, it's crucial for individuals to adopt a mindset that empowers them to seek out training resources, learn from their peers, and make the most of formal education opportunities. For instance, the Santander Open Academy is offering free education to boost employability all over the world, equipping individuals with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age.
References: [1] McKinsey & Company. (2017). Jobs lost, jobs gained: What the future of work will mean for jobs, skills, and wages. [2] World Economic Forum. (2020). The Future of Jobs Report 2020. [3] PwC. (2018). Artificial intelligence: A guide for business leaders. [4] OECD. (2019). Artificial intelligence, robotics and employment: Implications for developing countries.
Technology and artificial-intelligence are driving changes in the educational landscape, making it essential for individuals to focus on their personal-growth and self-development through learning. For instance, the Santander Open Academy, a resource for free education, is helping people worldwide to acquire the required technical-skills such as AI management, data analysis, programming, and cloud computing, to adapt to the evolving job market. Additionally, they are cultivating essential soft-skills like emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, and communication, which will prove more valuable as AI automates routine tasks. This focus on education and self-development denotes a crucial step towards empowering individuals for the dynamic future brought about by technological advancements.
