The latest Future of Jobs Report 2025 from the World Economic Forum clearly shows that the labor market is in the midst of change and this change is accelerating.

By 2030, around 22% of current jobs worldwide will be transformed - either through new technologies, changing requirements, or the complete elimination of entire fields of activity. 170 million new jobs will be created, but 92 million will disappear at the same time. The key question is: will you remain reactive - or will you play an active role in shaping the future?

What is Causing this Disruption?

The report identifies five major drivers of transformation—none of them entirely new, but all accelerating:

• Technological change, particularly the rise of AI and generative AI, is altering workflows, job profiles, and expectations across every industry.
• The green transition is shifting economies toward climate neutrality, creating demand for roles like renewable energy engineers, sustainability specialists, and EV experts.
• Economic volatility and geopolitical fragmentation are pushing companies to adapt their business models and talent strategies.
• Demographic shifts—aging populations in the Global North and growing working-age populations in the Global South—are changing where skills are needed, and by whom.

Together, these forces are driving what the WEF calls a 22% structural churn in the global job market between now and 2030.

It's Not Just About New Jobs, It's About New Skills

The report makes it clear: the jobs of the future won’t just require different people—they’ll require different skills.

By 2030, 39% of an average worker's current skill set will be outdated. At the same time, analytical thinking is now ranked as the #1 core skill across all industries. Other top skills include:

• AI and big data literacy
• Resilience, flexibility, and agility
• Leadership and social influence
• Curiosity and lifelong learning
• Environmental stewardship

Notably, demand for manual skills like precision and endurance is declining. The shift is toward cognitive and tech-enabled capabilities. Upskilling is no longer optional—it’s survival.

What does this mean in practical terms for specialists and managers?? 

What does “39% of skills will be obsolete by 2030” mean?

If you work in a management role or a highly qualified field, the change may not seem threatening. But the data tells a different story.

This does not mean that your current skills are worthless. But much of what makes you successful today may no longer be enough to remain competitive in 2030, especially if you lead teams, work strategically or manage interfaces.

It's not just about technology. It's about how we solve problems, make decisions and organize work.

Analytical thinking: not just for analysts

According to the report, analytical thinking is the most important future skill, even ahead of technological expertise.

Why? Because AI can provide data, but cannot replace the decision-making quality of a human being. Your strengths as a manager:

• Interpreting data and correlations
• Making decisions under uncertainty
• Think and act across departments

AI and data expertise: more than just buzzwords

You don't have to write algorithms. But you do need to understand how AI affects your business:

• How do AI models affect processes and customer relationships?
• What questions should you ask your data team?
• What ethical, legal and strategic implications need to be considered?

Resilience, agility & willingness to learn: the new “hard skills”

In an environment of constant change, your attitude is crucial. Those who deal poorly with uncertainty will be slowed down. Those who are adaptable and willing to learn will help shape things.

Curiosity and the ability to question the status quo and learn new things are essential today.

Leadership & social influence: leadership in transition

Today, leadership no longer means control, but orientation and impact. This requires:

• Empathy and communication skills in hybrid and interdisciplinary teams
• Integrity and a sense of responsibility
• The ability to drive change without team burnout

Sustainability: from PR to corporate strategy

Sustainability is no longer a marginal issue. Sustainability is becoming a core competence in all areas of the company and in the context of leadership:

• What ecological impact do your projects have?
• How do you deal with ESG requirements?
• How do you combine growth and responsibility?

Here is what you can do now

If you work in a knowledge-based profession or lead teams, automation is not the only thing you have to contend with. The greater danger is losing touch with developments.

Further training is no longer a bonus, but a necessity to be able to hold your own in a constantly changing world. 

The TU Wien Academy offers programs for precisely this change:

• Part-time MBAs for technology-oriented leadership
• Sustainability programs for specialists and career changers in new future fields
• Real estate programs for sustainable urban and investment planning.
• Short programs for a skills update in areas such as data literacy, AI, and leadership.

Whether you want to understand AI, manage complex systems, or switch to a greener career, Our programs combine scientific depth with professional practice.