Rise of the machines: technological skills obsolescence in the EU

The European Skills and Jobs (ESJ) survey, undertaken by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), is the first survey on skill mismatch carried out in the EU28 Member States, examines drivers of skill development and the dynamic evolution of skill mismatch in relation to the changing complexity of the tasks and skills required in people's jobs. The ESJ reveals that 43 per cent of European Union (EU) employees experienced a recent change in the technologies they use at work. Changing technologies and structural change in high-innovation sectors and occupations will feed into a higher reliance on cognitive and interpersonal skills in future workplaces.

In this survey insight paper, the author notes that 'a large share of the EU adult workforce is faced with a high risk of technological skills obsolescence. Yet, concerns about widespread automation and robotisation may not materialise into a jobless world. Ultimately the future of work should depend on human acumen that will complement, and not be replaced by, artificial intelligence'.

Edited excerpts from publication and publisher's website. Show less