Four emerging technologies – artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, advanced energy systems and sensor networks – are set to reshape global labor markets, according to a new World Economic Forum (WEF) report titled Jobs of Tomorrow: Technology and the Future of the World’s Largest Workforces.
The report highlights that these technologies will have the greatest impact on seven key sectors that employ nearly 80% of the world’s workforce: agriculture, manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, transportation and logistics, business and management, and healthcare.
“The course of technology development will be determined by decisions made now and in the years to come,” said Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages and Job Creation at the World Economic Forum. “Understanding which technologies will be most transformative and how they impact these functional groups is critical to achieving positive outcomes.”
While much of the global discussion about automation has focused on white-collar jobs, the report found that ground-breaking technologies are also revolutionizing practical sectors. Drones are being used for agricultural harvesting and providing medical services in rural areas, while rooftop renewable energy systems in Africa are stabilizing energy access for frontline workers. In construction, semi-automated equipment reduces physical stress and improves safety. In healthcare, robotics and artificial intelligence are helping to redesign patient care and workforce efficiency.
The report suggests targeted investments, especially in developing markets, to ensure these technologies are universal and accessible. For example, agriculture and healthcare require better technology diffusion, while manufacturing strategies must be tailored to local industrial strengths. It says the retail and logistics sectors will benefit from digital platforms that enhance efficiency without creating monopolies.
“These technologies hold tremendous promise for amplifying human potential,” said Neeti Shukla, co-chair of the Global Future Council on Jobs and Advanced Technology and co-founder of Automation Anywhere.
The Forum calls on employers, governments and technology developers to collaborate to enable technology investment, support market structures and align workforce goals. The Council will continue its work through 2026 to identify actionable steps to ensure that technology creates inclusive, highly productive jobs globally.
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