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The “new currency of the future”: a review of literature on the skills needs of the workforce in times of accelerated digitalisation

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandra Theben

    (UPF-Barcelona School of Management)

  • Nia Plamenova

    (UPF-Barcelona School of Management)

  • Ana Freire

    (UPF-Barcelona School of Management)

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the need for higher levels of digitalisation in businesses, acting as a catalyst for the adoption of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Given that AI adoption is likely to have significant implications for skill demands, it becomes crucial to understand how we can meet the future skill requirements of the labour market. This literature review delves into the relationship between artificial intelligence adoption and the related skill needs of the workforce across various sectors and applications. The findings offer valuable directions for businesses to prepare their workforce for the challenges associated with AI adoption and also provide insights to guide future research in this field. Lastly, it furnishes useful insights to inform current policies aimed at addressing the challenges of the digital decade.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra Theben & Nia Plamenova & Ana Freire, 2025. "The “new currency of the future”: a review of literature on the skills needs of the workforce in times of accelerated digitalisation," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 75(1), pages 495-526, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manrev:v:75:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11301-023-00387-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11301-023-00387-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Artificial intelligence; Digital transition; AI adoption; Skills gap; Organizational barriers; Re-skilling; Upskilling;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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