Preparing Sauk County for the Future of Work: Insights from the WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025
The global labor market is undergoing a seismic transformation driven by technological innovation, demographic shifts, and economic challenges. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts that by 2030, 170 million jobs will be created globally, but 92 million will be displaced, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs (7% of today’s total employment). These shifts are expected to transform industries and communities at all levels, including in rural regions like Sauk County.
How prepared are our school-age individuals, current workforce, and retirees to navigate this disruption? The consequences of inaction could be dire: economic inequality, youth outmigration, and widening gaps in resilience.
Sector-Specific Challenges and Opportunities for Sauk County:
Agriculture and Ag-Tech
With farmworkers projected to experience the largest absolute job growth globally—35 million new jobs by 2030 —Sauk County’s agricultural sector has a unique opportunity to innovate. Green transitions, including decarbonization and sustainable practices, will drive demand for renewable energy engineers and environmental engineers, skills that can modernize local farming operations.
? Opportunity: Partner with technology providers to introduce precision agriculture techniques, leveraging drones, IoT sensors, and AI for better yields.
? Challenge: Address the digital skill gap among farmers through targeted upskilling programs.
Manufacturing and Green Technology
As the backbone of Sauk County’s economy, manufacturing must pivot to embrace renewable energy and automation technologies. Robotics and autonomous systems are expected to drive transformations, but they also pose the greatest risk for job displacement, with a net loss of 5 million jobs globally.
? Opportunity: Support local manufacturers in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, such as 3D printing and automation, to maintain competitiveness.
? Challenge: Retrain production workers for roles in robotics maintenance, data analysis, and process automation.
Tourism and Service Industries
The service economy, including retail and tourism, will see a dual impact: clerical roles like cashiers and ticket clerks are among the fastest-declining globally, while personal care aides and hospitality workers are poised for growth.
? Opportunity: Expand training in digital marketing, customer experience design, and sustainable tourism to attract modern travelers.
? Challenge: Ensure workers transitioning from declining roles receive robust support for reskilling into growing fields.
Education and Healthcare
Aging populations are driving growth in care economy jobs, such as nursing professionals and secondary education teachers, both of which are among the top-growing roles. For Sauk County, which faces demographic shifts, this trend highlights the need for infrastructure to support a growing care workforce.
? Opportunity: Invest in partnerships with technical colleges to develop specialized programs for healthcare and education careers.
? Challenge: Address wage competitiveness to retain talent in these critical sectors.
How Sauk County Can Lead the Way
1. Invest in Digital and Green Skills
Sixty percent of employers globally expect digital access to transform their business. Sauk County must prioritize local training in AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energy technologies.
2. Foster a Culture of Lifelong Learning
With 39% of global skill sets set to transform or become obsolete, accessible upskilling platforms and public-private partnerships can keep the workforce adaptable.
3. Support Sector-Specific Innovation Hubs
Venture studios, like the one being developed in Sauk City, can serve as innovation centers for ag-tech, manufacturing, and construction. These hubs can attract investment and entrepreneurial talent while supporting modernized business practices.
4. Enhance Inclusivity
Programs targeting underrepresented groups, including women and minorities, can expand the workforce and address long-term talent shortages.
5. Promote Green Job Creation
Support for green initiatives, such as decarbonizing manufacturing and installing renewable energy systems, will align Sauk County with global climate goals while creating resilient jobs locally.
The Path Forward
The Sauk County Development Corporation (SCDC) is driving this transformation by fostering partnerships, advocating for workforce training programs, and championing economic innovation. Through initiatives like venture studio development and public-private collaboration, SCDC is helping Sauk County navigate the complexities of the future of work while ensuring equitable growth and opportunity for all.
How is your organization preparing for these changes? Let’s collaborate to ensure that Sauk County thrives in this rapidly evolving economy.