World Economic Forum “Future of Jobs 2025” Highlights Need for a Surprisingly “Human” Skill
Every year, the World Economic Forum (WEF) releases its Future of Jobs Report, a deep-dive into the ever-shifting sands of global employment. The 2025 edition highlights what many might expect: tech-focused roles such as Big Data Specialists, FinTech Engineers, and AI Specialists dominate as the fastest-growing jobs.
And unsurprisingly, the fastest growing skills in (terms of employer demand) are: AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy. But among these highly technical skills is a notable standout. The fourth fastest-growing skill in the labor market? Creative thinking. 70% of employers said creative thinking is a skill of increasing importance.
Why is creativity still shining brightly amid the AI and Big Data revolution?
Another fascinating section of the Future of Jobs Report provides the answer. The WEF performed an analysis of OpenAI’s GPT-4o and its ability to demonstrate over 2800 granular skills from Indeed’s skill database. They measured AI’s capacity to substitute a human in performing these skills. AI was best at substituting skills like big data, reading, writing, and mathematics, and systems thinking. AI’s ability to substitute creative thinking was near the bottom. AI scored “low capacity” in over 90% of creative thinking skills.
Such a finding seems intuitive, but now the WEF has the data to prove it.
It's no wonder that in the dawning age of AI, employers are increasingly in search of a uniquely human skill that can’t be so easily replicated by machines. Creative thinking uniquely bridges the gap between technological expertise and the human spark needed for innovation. It’s the secret sauce driving breakthroughs across industries—from Insurance and Education to Healthcare and Advanced Manufacturing.
Moreover, creativity doesn't stand alone. It feeds into and strengthens other sought-after skills like resilience, flexibility, agility, and curiosity, all increasingly critical in our swiftly evolving workplaces.
So, yes, becoming tech-savvy is crucial—but it’s clear the workforce of the future demands creative minds who can navigate uncertainty, innovate boldly, and adapt in ways algorithms can’t replicate. The message from employers couldn’t be clearer: creative thinking isn’t just a desirable skill; it’s becoming as indispensable as technical expertise.
Companies that champion creative thinking today won't just survive—they'll define the next chapter of innovation. In a world reshaped by AI and big data, the winners will be those who recognize that creative thinking is the ultimate competitive edge. The data is clear, the trend undeniable: creative thinking isn't simply complementary to technology; it’s the critical differentiator that transforms technological potential into tangible progress. The future doesn’t belong merely to those who master machines—it belongs to those who master the human arts of imagination and innovation.
You’re probably keeping up with AI and tech literacy pretty well. But have you considered that creative thinking is also a skill that can be learned, developed, and trained? How are you working on your creative thinking?
