Next Stop - The Future of Work

Abstract

Technology is changing faster than ever. At the same time, experienced professionals are also leaving their jobs. At the same time, sustainability, geopolitical pressures, and the war for talent call for a fundamentally different approach to work, training, and innovation. How can we, as an industry, as people, and as workers, evolve in step with these changes?

This is a question we are increasingly asking ourselves. And, above all, how do we ensure that humans and machines continue to enhance each other’s strengths? To this end, imec and Flanders Make, with the support of Edtech Station, took the initiative to look into the future. Along with more than fifty experts from our industry, policy-makers, and researchers, we explored what machine and production-supporting work might look like in 2035.

This white paper brings together insights from our comprehensive research into the future. In it, we present: • four plausible future scenarios for work in 2035; • the recurring challenges and opportunities in each of these scenarios; and • some examples of future-proof and people-centered technological research.

This document serves as a strategic and forward-looking compass for organisations interested in preparing for the impact of AI, robotics, automation, and demographic changes in their workplace.