The readiness of workforce for the world of work in 2030: perceptions of university students

The new world of work in 2030 will witness displacement of more than 40% of existing jobs worldwide with automation, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality and augmented reality. New set of knowledge, skills, abilities and other (KSAO) characteristics will be required to be successful within the workforce of the future. This paper presents findings from the first phase (pilot study) of an exploratory and longitudinal research project that investigated the levels of awareness, readiness, and confidence perceived by the future workforce to work in the new world dominated by AI. Empirical evidence collected from students of higher education institutions from various countries indicates that less than 50% of the participants feel they possess the necessary KSAOs for the new world of work in 2030. This study will be of value to the policymakers, strategy formulators, educators, and curriculum developers that have interest in developing the human capital for 2030.