In a world changing faster than ever, asking the right questions has never been more important. Technology, artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation are shaping our reality every day.
Jobs are disappearing, new ones are emerging, and the workforce must adapt – raising critical questions:
- How do we educate people for jobs that haven’t been invented yet?
- Can education systems adapt faster than the labor market changes?
- Is a diploma still the key – or is how we learn becoming more important than what we know?
According to the World Economic Forum (2025), by 2030, 170 million new jobs are expected to be created, while 92 million will be displaced—resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs.
The question is no longer if this will happen – but are we ready?
Strategies for Educating for the Future
In this dynamic environment, traditional approaches no longer work. Instead of focusing on theoretical knowledge, the emphasis is shifting toward adaptability, interdisciplinarity, and a culture of lifelong learning.
- Continuous Learning as a Foundation
Companies that invest in continuous employee development – offering access to eLearning, workshops, and seminars – create a more agile and resilient workforce.
- Reskilling and Upskilling
Reskilling (training for completely new roles) and upskilling (enhancing existing skills) are becoming essential parts of career development. Partnerships with educational institutions and industry can accelerate this process.
- Interdisciplinary Approach
The future won’t seek narrow experts – it will seek connectors. Technical knowledge is increasingly complemented by soft skills such as communication, creativity, and critical thinking.
- Educational Technologies
VR, AR, and AI are reshaping learning experiences – enabling personalized, interactive, and realistic training through simulations and user-tailored content.
- Innovation, Creativity, and Leadership
As machines take over routine tasks, what remains essential – and irreplaceable – is human imagination. Leaders must foster a culture of curiosity, calculated risk-taking, and rapid adaptation.
The Key Question for Industry and Education
How do we prepare the workforce for jobs that don’t exist – in industries that are constantly evolving?
This question is becoming increasingly relevant at the local level too.
Can a region like Zagorje become an example of how to prepare for upcoming changes – while remaining competitive, innovative, and sustainable?
If you’re interested in this and similar questions – and want to hear answers from those who think about, predict, and act on these challenges – we invite you to the conference Invest in Zagorje 2025: The Era of Futurism.
