The Future of Work: Preparing for Disruption from edX

Workers of the future will need new sets of skills to compete. Recent advances in technology are changing how we live, communicate and do business, disrupting traditional industries and redefining the employee-employer relationship.

Thousands of routine and low-skill jobs will be eliminated by automation, A.I. and digital hyper-connectivity. However, these same advances present new opportunities, like:

New job creation
Increased productivity
Improved delivery of public services

This course emphasizes the urgency of developing human capital in meeting the challenges of the coming decades. Developing countries will need to take rapid action to invest in their people as innovation continues to accelerate. Themes in the course include: artificial intelligence, the gig economy, world of work, the future of work, labor market, policy makers, new technologies, digital economy, jobs of the future, machine learning, and labor force.

Skills-based example: Participants will learn through Ted-like talks, podcasts, readings, interactive quizzes and scenario based exercises. They will also have an opportunity to share and dialogue with peers and experts including practitioners, government officials, academic and private sector. This course will introduce students to forward-thinking approaches that will build the new skill sets required in the 21st Century, including:

critical analysis
problem solving
“soft skills” like teamwork and empathy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Factors behind the changing nature of work
Which new sets of skills required for future workforces
Human capital index and its methodology

Social assistance programs and insurance schemes
Policy measures available to governments

Factors behind the changing nature of work
Which new sets of skills required for future workforces
Human capital index and its methodology
Social assistance programs and insurance schemes
Policy measures available to governments

Syllabus

Week 1 - Changing Nature of WorkThis module focuses on understanding the factors at play in the changing nature of work. It introduces participants to new technologies that are transforming day-to-day life, new types of automation, and new types of businesses, including firms that operate through digital platforms that enable them to scale rapidly without vertically integrating. It will show how the demand for low-skilled labor is decreasing as Artificial Intelligence and new production methods take root. Learners will be able to describe and discuss the main issues and challenges that workers of today face.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the essence of emerging economic opportunities by prioritizing the development of individual capacity in a digital economy

Introduces and utilizes the new Human Capital Index for pedagogical purposes

Provides a list of examples for social programs that protect people in new ways

Explores how productivity gains can be made by advancing three priority areas: decreasing informality in the economy, removing blockages to women in the workplace, and enhancing training for Agricultural workers

Explores the dangers that remain for children under 5 who pose a significant risk to development

Assumes that students are familiar with the Human Capital Index

Reviews summary

Future of work: comprehensive policy overview

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and timely overview of the factors changing the future of work, including the impact of AI, automation, and the gig economy. Many find the content highly relevant, particularly its focus on human capital development, policy responses, and the perspective for developing countries. The lectures and expert interviews are often highlighted as valuable. While praised for its breadth and insights, some reviewers feel the course can be too theoretical, lacking sufficient practical guidance or 'how-to' for individuals, and may be introductory for those with significant prior knowledge in the field.

Quality of lectures, readings, exercises.

"The lectures were clear and the readings were thought-provoking. The scenarios were very practical."

"The peer discussions were valuable."

"The scenario exercises were helpful."

Valuable insights for policy makers.

"This course is a must-take for policy makers or educators. It clearly articulates the challenges and opportunities."

"I appreciated the global perspective, especially regarding developing countries."

"The focus on human capital development is crucial."

Broad look at major trends in work.

"Absolutely essential course for anyone thinking about the future economy. The lectures were clear and the readings were thought-provoking."

"Good overview of major trends like AI and automation's impact on jobs. The content was relevant, though sometimes a bit high-level."

"Excellent course! It covers complex topics like the Human Capital Index and policy responses in an accessible way."

"Provided a solid foundation."

May be introductory for experienced learners.

"Decent course for beginners wanting a general idea. If you already work in this field or have read extensively on the topic, you might find it introductory."

Insights are high-level vs practical application.

"Honestly, I found this course a bit too theoretical. While the overview is okay, it didn't give me practical tools or actionable strategies I could implement immediately."

"Could have used more concrete examples of how individuals can acquire the 'new skills' mentioned."

"I felt the later weeks, especially on social protection programs, were less relevant to my specific role in the private sector."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Future of Work: Preparing for Disruption with these activities:

Review the Concept of Labor Market

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Refreshes your knowledge of the fundamental concepts of labor markets, which will be built upon throughout the course.

Browse courses on Labor Markets

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Identify the main factors influencing labor demand and supply.
Define and explain the concept of equilibrium in the labor market.

Explore the World Bank's Human Capital Index

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the Human Capital Index, which will be a key framework used in the course.

Browse courses on Human Capital

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Access the World Bank's website and locate the Human Capital Index.
Read the overview and methodology sections of the index.
Explore the interactive data visualizations and compare different countries' scores.

Analyze Case Studies of Labor Market Policies

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Develops your ability to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of labor market policies, which will be discussed in the course.

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Read case studies of labor market policies implemented in different countries.
Identify the objectives, design, and implementation of each policy.
Evaluate the impact of the policies on labor market outcomes, such as employment, wages, and productivity.

Four other activities

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Become a Mentor in a Local Youth Development Program

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Allows you to share your knowledge and skills with young people, while also reinforcing your own understanding of the course concepts.

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Contact local youth development organizations and express your interest in becoming a mentor.
Complete any necessary training or background checks.
Meet with your mentee regularly and provide guidance and support.

Contribute to the Open Development Data Platform

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Enhances your technical skills and contributes to the global development community by making labor market data more accessible.

Browse courses on Open Data

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Create an account on the Open Development Data Platform.
Find a dataset related to labor markets that you are interested in.
Clean and analyze the data, and publish your findings on the platform.

Develop a Policy Proposal for Improving Labor Market Outcomes

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Synthesizes your learning by requiring you to develop a comprehensive policy proposal for improving labor market outcomes in a specific country or region.

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Identify a specific labor market issue in a country or region of your choice.
Research and analyze the underlying causes of the issue.
Develop a policy proposal that addresses the issue, including specific recommendations for implementation.

Participate in the World Bank's Human Capital Innovation Challenge

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Provides you with an opportunity to apply your learning and make a real-world impact by developing innovative solutions to human capital challenges.

Browse courses on World Bank

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Form a team and register for the World Bank's Human Capital Innovation Challenge.
Identify a specific human capital challenge you want to address.
Develop a creative and innovative solution to the challenge.

Career center

Learners who complete The Future of Work: Preparing for Disruption will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data scientists use their skills in mathematics, statistics, and computer science to extract insights from data. This course can help data scientists develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market, which is increasingly data-driven.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use their skills in mathematics and statistics to solve problems in a variety of industries. This course can help operations research analysts understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Business Analyst

Business analysts help organizations improve their performance by identifying and solving problems. This course can help business analysts understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to help organizations adapt to these changes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project managers oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of projects. This course can help project managers understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to help organizations develop and implement projects that will help workers adapt to these changes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee the human resources function of an organization. This course can help human resources managers understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to help organizations attract, develop, and retain talented employees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Management Consultant

Management consultants help organizations improve their performance by identifying and solving problems. This course can help management consultants understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to help organizations adapt to these changes.

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Program Manager

Program managers oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs. This course can help program managers understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to help organizations develop and implement programs that will help workers adapt to these changes.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people overcome social and economic problems. This course can help social workers understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to help people adapt to these changes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Economist

Economists use their knowledge of economics to analyze and forecast economic trends. This course can help economists understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts use their knowledge of finance to analyze and forecast financial trends. This course can help financial analysts understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts use their skills in research and analysis to understand consumer behavior and market trends. This course can help market research analysts understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts use their skills in research and analysis to develop and evaluate public policy. This course can help policy analysts understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to develop policies that will help workers adapt to these changes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Public relations manager

Public relations managers oversee the public relations function of an organization. This course can help public relations managers understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to help organizations communicate with their stakeholders effectively.

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Risk Manager

Risk managers identify and manage risks for an organization. This course can help risk managers understand the factors that are driving the changing nature of work and develop the skills they need to help organizations mitigate risks.

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Actuary

Actuaries use their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk and uncertainty. This course can help actuaries stay up-to-date on the latest trends in technology and the changing nature of work. It can also help them develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary