In a constantly evolving world, where the demands of the job market are constantly changing, it is essential for professionals seeking growth and fulfillment to stay informed of the most sought-after skills. A recent World Economic Forum study titled “Skills in demand in 2023 and beyond” sheds light on the qualities most in demand by employers, highlighting the critical importance of analytics, creativity and skills technologies such as AI and big data.
According to Saadia Zahidi, Director General of the World Economic Forum, it is “the traits that make us human, that facilitate our relationships with each other and enable us to take innovative and creative action” that are essential to achieve results and are become essential in the workplace. “There is an increased interest in people who are capable of analytical thinking, creativity, leadership and being able to influence others in a social way,” she explains.
Cognitive skills top the list
Data from the report shows that analytical thinking currently represents 9.1% of the core skills sought by businesses, making it the most important skill in 2023 across all industries. However, creative thinking is expected to grow even faster, with a 73% increase in hiring for roles requiring creative intelligence over the next five years.
Technology skills are next on the list, followed by self-efficacy skills such as resilience, flexibility and agility; motivation and self-awareness; and curiosity and lifelong learning that recognize the importance of worker adaptability in an ever-changing environment.
For MBA programs aimed at training future business leaders, the World Economic Forum’s findings underscore the continued importance of quantitative analysis and problem-solving. However, they also highlight the need for increased training in innovative thinking, idea generation and creativity applied to business strategy and operations.
Tech skills in demand, but balance is key
With AI disrupting the workforce globally, nearly half (44%) of all core business skills are expected to be impacted by technological changes in the coming years. As a result, 42% of companies surveyed make AI and big data analytics a major training priority for upskilling their employees..
Business schools around the world are taking note of this shift, updating MBA specializations and designing new courses to cover areas such as digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, cybersecurity, and human-centered innovation. Top programs are already evolving to ensure their talent pipelines are aligned with the World Economic Forum’s vision for the future workforce.
Building leadership skills is noted as a particular priority in the automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure sectors. It is also the top priority in the supply chain, transportation, and advanced manufacturing industries.
A lifelong learning journey
For current and prospective MBA students, investing in multidisciplinary learning that combines quantitative capabilities, original thinking, and technological fluency could pay significant dividends as employability requirements continue to evolve over the next decade.
The future of work is being shaped by the complementary forces of automation and innovation. MBA programs must stay ahead of the curve by equipping graduates with relevant technology skills and machine learning fundamentals. By cultivating unique human skills that balance analytical and creative thinking with emerging technologies, business education can create agile yet grounded leaders.