Future Skills describe the skills and competencies that will be given even greater importance in the future in order to remain successful in a rapidly changing and increasingly digital world. These skills are necessary to meet the challenges and requirements of today’s and future working world and society. There is no uniform definition of the term. The use of the term “future skills” depends on the respective practical context. The most commonly identified future skills include:
Digital competence: Dealing with new technologies, using digital tools and knowledge in areas such as data analysis and artificial intelligence.
Creativity and innovative ability: Development of new ideas and recognition of potential.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Analyzing complex problems and making informed decisions.
Communication and collaboration skills: Effective communication and team collaboration.
Self-management and adaptability: Adaptation to new situations and self-organization.
Lifelong learning: Continuous learning and training.
Intercultural competence and social intelligence: Understanding and appreciation of cultural differences, as well as the Ability to work effectively in diverse cultural contexts.
Leadership qualities and ethical awareness: Ability to lead teams and take responsibility as well ethical thinking and acting.
Das Future Skills-Framework () from Stifterverband and McKinsey & Company divides future competencies into 4 categories:
Technological competencies, digital key competencies, classic competencies and transformative competencies (see illustration).
Source: The Future Skills Framework from Stifterverband and McKinsey & Company
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Importance for companies
All of these areas of competence are based on the fact that companies and their employees are intrinsically motivated and open to new things. Companies need these skills to remain competitive and innovative. Employees with future skills can better adapt to changes and use new technologies. This leads to more efficient processes, new business models and a stronger culture of innovation. Companies that invest in developing these skills attract talented professionals and retain their employees for the long term. Now and in the future, companies must invest more in the promotion and (further) development of these skills in order to meet constantly changing requirements and to be able to assert themselves in a rapidly changing world.
Conclusion
Investing in future skills is crucial for companies. By promoting these skills, companies not only ensure their competitiveness and innovative strength, but also the long-term loyalty and satisfaction of their employees. Ultimately, this leads to sustainable corporate success and positive corporate development.
The KI NRW Future Center promotes a variety of future skills. We offer tailor-made consultations, workshops and further training in the areas of artificial intelligence and digitalization. In this way, we support your company in strengthening digital skills, promoting innovation and improving adaptability to technological change processes. This is how we help you stay competitive and equip your employees with the skills they need for the future.
Further information can be found on the website Future Center KI NRW.
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