WEF says four emerging technologies poised to transform labour markets, impacting seven job families the greatest

The World Economic Forum said that four emerging technologies—AI, robotics, advanced energy systems, and sensor networks—are poised to reshape global labour markets, with seven job families—agriculture, manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, transport and logistics, business and management, and healthcare—expected to face the greatest impact.

Together, the seven families represent about 80% of the global workforce. According to the WEF, emerging technologies will create new opportunities to boost productivity and transform jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and other critical sectors. However, the report also states a caveat that unlocking this productivity potential and managing risks will require concerted actions such as mobilising investment capital, accelerating global technology diffusion and ensuring inclusive access.

“The path of technology development will be determined by decisions made now and in the coming years,” said Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages, and Job Creation, World Economic Forum. “Understanding which technologies will be most transformative and how they will transform seven job families that make up almost 80% of the world’s workers is crucial to anticipating their impact and driving towards positive outcomes.”

While the global discussion has mainly centred on desk-based office jobs, the report emphasises how emerging technologies are also causing tangible change beyond such fields. Drone technology already facilitates efficient urban deliveries in the United Arab Emirates and transports essential supplies, such as medical equipment, to rural areas in Ghana. Rooftop renewable energy systems in several African countries are stabilising frontline workers’ hours, preventing them from being sent home during power outages, and simultaneously creating demand for energy system professionals.  

The report also demonstrates how semi-automated construction equipment reduces physical strain on workers and enhances safety. Furthermore, robotics integrated with AI data processing could transform the patient journey and the healthcare workforce.  

Given that transformative technologies pose both opportunities and risks, it is imperative to undertake tailored, industry- and context-specific measures, as emphasised in the report. In the sectors of agriculture and healthcare, the primary focus must be on augmenting the dissemination and accessibility of technology, particularly within developing markets. Manufacturing strategies should be adapted in accordance with each country’s unique industrial ecosystems. The wholesale, retail, transport, and logistics sectors, which are closely interconnected, stand to benefit significantly from well-regulated technology platform markets that enhance routing and inventory management while avoiding excessive market concentration. 

“These technologies hold immense promise to amplify human potential. The Global Future Council on Jobs and Frontier Technologies unites diverse expertise to reimagine meaningful work advancing upskilling and reskilling while anticipating and addressing potential challenges along the way,” said Neeti Shukla, Co-Chair, Global Future Council on Jobs and Frontier Technology and Co-Founder and Chief Social Impact Officer, Automation Anywhere, Inc.  

The research emphasises the necessity for customised collaborative initiatives among employers, governments, and technology developers to optimise the advantages of forthcoming transformations. Essential immediate actions to cultivate a more productive and inclusive global workforce in the future include: encouraging increased technological investment and dissemination, establishing effective and supportive market frameworks, comprehending employers’ strategic workforce objectives, and acknowledging the potential of a workforce empowered by technology.