Why is the classical education model losing its relevance?

The modern job market is rapidly evolving due to technological advancement, and the demands for skills and competencies among employees are increasing. Skills that are not typically acquired through traditional education are becoming more valuable, and they often require a more hands-on and interactive learning approach. The transformation of the classical model of education and career understanding is in the spotlight of the new issue of trendletters, produced as part of a joint project of the Human Capital Multidisciplinary Research Center and the UNESCO Futures Studies Chair (UNESCO Futures Literacy Chairs network).

For reference: This series of trendsetters continues the practice of publishing reviews of global technological trends since 2014 and presents a unique database of global trends and challenges in the field of human development. This research of the HSE ISSEK is based on the results of iFORA Big Data System, the Delphi survey (with the participation of more than 400 leading foreign and Russian scientists), expert sessions and interviews.

By 2030, more than 1 billion jobs worldwide will be affected by new technologies. To successfully adapt to the changing labor market, lifelong learning and improving professional skills will be essential. It is estimated that 40% of basic skills for workers will change in the next five years, and digital literacy will become a key requirement for most positions in 20 years. Currently, only 15% of working-age people and 1% of retirees in Russia participate in additional education programs, compared to 40% and 5% in developed countries, respectively.

Even though education is one of the largest industries, accounting for approximately 6% of global GDP, it significantly falls behind the demands of the labor market when it comes to digitalization. However, the development of digital technologies within the field of education leads to a significant improvement in flexibility, sustainability, and accessibility of training, as well as the realization of the possibility for continuous learning in the workplace.

By 2030, the traditional model of higher education and lifelong specialization will become outdated. Almost ⅔ of students who start school in 2016 will be working in jobs that do not exist yet.

The new issue of trendletter (Russian version) is available at the link.

Previous issues of trendletters can be found here.