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As artificial intelligence continues its rapid evolution, the global labor market is entering a period of unprecedented transformation. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, more than one in five jobs worldwide is expected to be fundamentally reshaped by 2030. While 170 million new roles will emerge—particularly in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and green technologies—92 million current jobs are projected to disappear, especially in administrative and clerical functions. At the heart of this shift is not just automation, but a deeper integration of human-machine collaboration. For countries like Sweden, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to stay globally competitive, we must accelerate investment in digital infrastructure, AI capabilities, and workforce reskilling. The choices we make now will define whether we lead in the age of intelligent technologies—or fall behind.

How Jobs Will Change

• By 2030, 22% of current jobs are expected to be affected – with 170 million new jobs created and 92 million displaced globally.
• Technology and AI are driving both the fastest-growing and fastest-declining roles.
• Growing roles include:
  • AI & Machine Learning Specialists
  • Data Analysts and Scientists
  • Software Developers
  • Cybersecurity Experts
  • Renewable Energy and Healthcare Professionals
• Declining roles include:
  • Administrative Assistants
  • Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
  • Data Entry Clerks
  • Bank Tellers

How AI Will Impact Work

• AI will automate routine tasks, especially in clerical and data-heavy jobs.
• Human-AI collaboration (augmentation) is expected to become as common as full automation.
• AI could enhance the capabilities of professionals like teachers, nurses, engineers – not just replace them.
• 66% of employers plan to hire for AI-specific skills; 40% may reduce headcount where AI can perform tasks.

Skills in High Demand

• Top growing technical skills:
  • AI & Big Data
  • Cybersecurity and Networks
  • Tech literacy
• Top general (soft) skills:
  • Analytical thinking
  • Creativity and curiosity
  • Resilience, flexibility, and agility
  • Leadership and social influence
  • Lifelong learning

AI is the Most Transformative Technology by 2030

• 86% of employers expect AI and information processing technologies to transform their business—more than any other tech trend.
• Generative AI (GenAI), such as ChatGPT, has seen explosive growth: investment has increased eightfold since 2022.
• GenAI lowers the barrier to entry, enabling non-technical users to interact with advanced technology, accelerating adoption across sectors.

Even Knowledge Jobs are at Risk

• Roles now appearing on the fastest-declining jobs list include:
  • Graphic Designers
  • Legal Secretaries
• These roles are directly impacted by GenAI’s ability to generate text, visuals, and structured content.
• Previously seen as “safe” from automation, these jobs show how even creative and white-collar work is being reshaped.

AI Skills Are Key to National Competitiveness

• 66% of employers plan to hire workers with AI-specific skills.
• 40% anticipate reducing headcount as AI automates tasks.
• Nations that fail to invest in education, infrastructure, and AI strategies risk falling behind in innovation and employment creation.

The Global AI Divide is Growing

• The IT sector leads in AI adoption, while construction and manufacturing are lagging behind.
• High-income economies are rapidly adopting GenAI, but low-income countries are largely excluded.
• This growing divide risks deepening global inequalities unless addressed through coordinated international action.