The rise of automation is reshaping the world of work, changing the skills needed and creating new opportunities. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 85 million jobs could be lost to automation, but 97 million new roles could emerge. It's a change that requires a reassessment of the professional qualities essential to thrive in this new working landscape.

The impact of automation on professions

Automation is already transforming a multitude of industries, from financial services to manufacturing, healthcare and even education. A McKinsey study shows that around 60% of all professions could see 30% of their activities automated.

• High tech skills : Digital skills such as automated software and data analysis are becoming crucial. By 2030, RSA says that demand for digital design and programming skills could increase by 55%.
• Cognitive skills and soft skills : The need for critical thinking skills, complex problem solving and empathy will grow dramatically. Soft skills were already cited by LinkedIn as the ‘world's most essential skills’ for the future, focusing on emotional literacy and change management.

Emerging new types of jobs

Automation not only means the end of certain professions, but also the creation of new decorative opportunities :

• AI and automation specialists : According to PwC, demand for AI and automation specialists could grow by 60% between now and 2025.
• Human-machine coordinator : Human interaction in the management of automated systems opens up areas of employment such as automated industrial supervision.

The adaptation challenge

Education and training are crucial pillars for coping with changes in the labour market :

• In-company training programmes : According to a Capgemini report, pioneering companies are devoting 20% of their training budget to the acquisition of digital skills.
• Government and educational initiatives : Education must adapt to these new paradigms by introducing modules on programming, technological ethics and human/IA collaboration into syllabi.

The role of public policy and education

Leaders must also foster a fair and sustainable work ecosystem :

• Proactive policies for retraining : Public investment is needed in programmes for professional integration adapted to automation - which the MIT investment programme points out is essential to support the digital transition.

Conclusion

The futuroscope of jobs will be shaped by our ability to adapt skills. Proactive management of automation and training processes could generate a working environment where innovation is shared between machines and humans, placing both parties on a new scale of mutually rewarding collaboration.

Sources : World Economic Forum, McKinsey, RSA, LinkedIn, PwC, Capgemini, MIT