Davos 2025: A Week of Great Conversations
Dr. Andrea Rubik
Co-Founder, Resyfy AI | Board President, Women in Digital Switzerland
The World Economic Forum in Davos is more than just a series of meetings; it's a crucible for unexpected connections and insights.
Serendipitous encounters on the Promenade and conversations in unexpected queues ?are the hallmarks of Davos. From the transformative power of the digital economy to the urgent need for global cooperation on geopolitical challenges and the ever-evolving landscape of global risks, Davos provides a unique window into the forces shaping our world. Whether it's exploring innovative solutions to bridge the jobs gap or empowering the next generation of leaders, this week offers a vital snapshot of the global economy, political landscape, and societal trends.
This year, the pervasive influence of AI dominated discussions, reflecting the technology's rapid ascent and the fierce competition among businesses to harness its potential.
Annual Meeting 2025 has made one thing clear?business as usual isn't an option.
?? AI Agents: AI agents possess the transformative power to revolutionize business productivity. By automating mundane tasks, conducting sophisticated data analyses, and seamlessly integrating with existing systems, these intelligent tools can significantly accelerate workflows – often delivering a threefold increase in speed and efficiency compared to traditional methods.
It's crucial to remember that AI agents are not a panacea. Their true value lies in their ability to augment human capabilities, streamlining processes and freeing up valuable human resources to focus on higher-level tasks that demand creativity, strategic thinking, and human ingenuity.
?? The Intelligent Age: We are on the cusp of the 'Intelligent Age,' an era defined by the unprecedented convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy sources, and the transformative potential of quantum computing.
Powerful technologies are poised to revolutionize industries and reshape the very fabric of our world in ways we are only beginning to comprehend.
?? Digital Trust: In our increasingly interconnected digital world, trust in technology is paramount. Digital trust ensures responsible development and utilization, upholding societal values, safeguarding user data, and prioritizing the interests of all stakeholders.
AI is poised to revolutionize the workplace, offering unprecedented opportunities for businesses that can effectively navigate its complexities. However, trust serves as the bedrock of this transformation. Without a strong foundation of trust, the full potential of AI will remain unrealized, leaving businesses stagnant as they struggle to thrive in the burgeoning "Intelligent Age."
?? Talent Scarcity: The European tech industry faces a critical talent shortage, with an alarming 8 million unfilled positions projected by 2030. This "talent gap" poses a significant threat to the continued growth and competitiveness of the European tech sector, demanding innovative and urgent solutions to address this pressing challenge.
?? Upskilling and Reskilling: The future hinges on our ability to adapt to a rapidly evolving technological landscape. While AI and digital technologies are advancing at an unprecedented pace, a significant skills gap threatens to impede progress.
Investing in robust upskilling and reskilling programs is not merely about adapting to change; it's about unlocking the full potential of our workforce, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring a prosperous future for individuals and society as a whole.
?? Ageing Societies: Aging societies, where over 20% of the population is 65 or older, are rapidly becoming the global norm. This demographic shift presents both profound challenges and significant opportunities.
As we strive to extend human lifespans, our focus must shift beyond mere longevity and prioritize enhancing both the quantity and quality of life for older adults. This necessitates a holistic approach that addresses the multifaceted needs of an aging population.
From-Here-to-There for Modern Leaders
?? The rise of the future-ready workforce
Future-ready workforces are not a passive outcome; they are the result of deliberate investment in people. These forward-thinking individuals actively embrace the evolving landscape, experimenting with AI, seizing new opportunities, and proactively investing their own time in continuous learning and development.
This cohort currently represents a mere 11% of the global workforce, highlighting a critical need for organizations to prioritize the development of these essential skills across their entire talent pool.
?? Invest in people
领英推荐
?? Only 11% of the workforce is future-ready
?? Upskill the entire talent pool
Reskilling for the Intelligent Age, https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2025/sessions/reskilling-for-the-intelligent-age/?
The art of 21st-century leadership:?https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/03/why-gender-inclusion-is-a-imperative-for-future-ready-workplaces//?
?? AI is here, so deal with it
The workplace is undergoing unprecedented transformation. Simply adapting to new technologies is no longer enough; businesses must embrace innovation as a core principle and constantly redefine their strategies and operating models. This dynamic environment demands a?workforce that thrives on change, collaborating with individuals who challenge the status quo and inspire new ways of thinking.
Navigating this exciting period of evolution requires a delicate balance between stability and transformation, ultimately leading us toward a brighter future for all.
?? Workplace transformation requires embracing innovation
?? Demand for change-embracing workforce
?? Balance stability with transformation
?? AI and technology are tools, not a silver bullet
Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and rapid technological advancements offer immense potential. However, it's crucial to recognize that these technologies are powerful enablers, not standalone solutions. We must leverage technology as a force multiplier to effectively address systemic challenges within comprehensive, holistic strategies.
Technological innovations are integrated with human ingenuity, ethical considerations, and a deep understanding of the social and environmental contexts within which these challenges arise.
??Tech is an enabler, not the solution
?? Holistic approach: tech + human ingenuity + ethics
?? Consider social & environmental impact
?? From Data to Action Through Storytelling
Data is undeniably crucial, but mere statistics rarely inspire meaningful action. To truly mobilize change, we must contextualize these numbers within compelling narratives. These stories should feature relatable heroes, tangible challenges, and sometimes even villains – often, the most insidious villain is the inertia of maintaining the status quo.
Storytelling remains one of our most potent tools for driving action, fostering empathy, and inspiring individuals and communities to rise to the challenges of our time.
?? Data needs compelling stories
?? To change, we must contextualize numbers within compelling narratives
?? Storytelling drives action & empathy
?? Partnerships are The True Driver of Impact
Innovation and investment are crucial but insufficient without meaningful partnerships and robust grassroots engagement. Whether scaling regenerative agriculture or tackling the global food waste crisis, sustainable solutions thrive when they are co-created with local communities and stakeholders across sectors.
A collaborative approach ensures that solutions are technically feasible, culturally appropriate, socially equitable, and, ultimately, sustainable in the long term.
?? Partnerships are important
?? Co-create with communities
?? Sustainable solutions: feasible, equitable, & culturally appropriate