Digital transformation and the future of work: closing the digital skills gap

Purpose The purpose of this article is to discuss the near future digital technology landscape and propose several specific in-demand digital skills for organizations and individuals in the next few years. Design/methodology/approach This article reviews some recent publications from representative inter-governmental, governmental, non-governmental, and commercial organizations on the rise of digital technologies and corresponding growth in digital jobs. Within this context, several specific in-demand skills are proposed by the author who has written a book on the topic of digital transformation. Findings Rapid advancements in digital technologies continue to shape organizational practices and the future of work. To take advantage of emerging digital technologies and better compete in the marketplace, organizations and individuals need to upskill and reskill. Practical implications The main purpose of this article is to suggest a list of specific digital skills for executive management and human resources professionals to help prepare employees for digital jobs in the next few years. Corporate policy makers could introduce and promote these digital skills as part of the organizations’ training and development curriculum. In the area of talent management, organizations could also formulate hiring policies and assessment mechanisms to attract, develop, and retain employees with the requisite digital skills. For information technology and business professionals seeking to upskill and reskill, they could acquire these digital skills to enhance their current roles and prepare for the future digital workplace environment. Originality/value This article contributes to a better understanding of the digital technology landscape and digital skills. A list of specific in-demand skills is proposed to help organizations and individuals close the digital skills gap.