The challenge of future skill development
The development of future skills, also known as future skills or digital skills, is complex. There are differences not only between regions, but also between different levels of action and approaches. There are often similarities between actors in cooperations and projects, although companies and educational institutions often have different approaches, even in the respective country. This is evident, for example, in the automotive industry, where both countries are looking for »future-proof« qualification models and corresponding interfaces in the education sector. It is also evident when an Indian HR manager from the software industry emphasizes that he needs, above all, »the right people in the right place at the right time.« The examples show that the relationship between academic education and the world of work must be redefined. Current requirements of the professional world and education for long-term employability must be brought together in a new way.
Different paths to the same goals
There are many different approaches to developing future skills. These include both organization-wide and individual approaches, extracurricular or external offers. Although we still know little about the qualification needs of the future, it is possible to identify current needs and create targeted offers. This must be supplemented by strengthening lifelong learning, but existing educational structures often do not yet achieve this. It is also clear that the skills in demand cannot be acquired »in advance« but must go hand in hand with practice. Instead of looking for the one right way, we should develop compatible perspectives that integrate the different approaches.