3 essential skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

By 2020, the Fourth Industrial Revolution will have brought us to advanced robotics and autonomous transport, machine learning and artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials and genomics. It is expected that new categories of occupations will emerge, causing either partial or full displacement of current jobs.

This means that the required skill sets will change in most industries. Currently, complex problem solving, creativity and critical thinking are the essential skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Complex problem-solving

It is estimated that more than one third of jobs across all industries will require problem-solving as one of the core skills. However, it will be less important in heavily technical sectors, such as the infrastructure sector.

Problem solving is about using logic and imagination to make sense of the situation, as this will help the individual to come up with an intelligent solution. Graduate employers are keen on it because it is a vital skill in our daily lives.

This skill is necessary as several industries (such as Information and Communications Technology) are expected to become more complex and analytical. The ability to solve complex problems will enhance one's ability to take on the difficult tasks that will ascend into these industries.

Creativity

With the emerging of new products, technologies and ways of working, workers need to possess creativity in order to benefit from the changes. There are two main ways in which creativity is needed in the new workplace: creative thinking and creative problem-solving.

Thinking creatively means coming up with ideas that are entirely unique. Creative problem-solving comes into play when one attempts to solve an issue that has several possible resolutions.

While many problems faced in the workplace may have clear solutions, creative people are able to look at the issue from all sides. This consequently helps them to come up with solutions that are completely new and interesting.

Ultimately, robots may increase the efficiency and ease in which work is produced, but they are currently still unable to be as creative as humans. If employees and managers are able to solve problems creatively and come up with fresh ideas, it could take the company in a new direction.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to identify, analyse and evaluate ideas, situations and information in order to formulate responses to problems. This is a skill that is used by many business leaders to make decisions.

Computers may be good at storing and analysing information, but they are unable to apply the data into developing relevant solutions. It is hence crucial for workers to be able to think critically, as they can use this skill to facilitate decision-making within the firm. This will make them an asset to the company.

In conclusion, it is essential that businesses take an active role in instilling these skills into their employees. Governments can also play a part to facilitate the workforce transition by creating the enabling environment needed to assist these efforts. Ultimately, the ability of workers to adopt the right skill sets for the Fourth Industrial Revolution will lead to long-term gains in productivity and efficiency.

Amanda Ong Ee Ying is a contributor to AsiaOne. She writes original copywrighted articles for various Internet portals. Her email address is ongamanda98@gmail.com.