The new skills triad – may become the future's basic requirements in the labour market
The climate crisis, AI, and remote work are fundamentally reshaping the labour market.
Now, three new basic requirements are being highlighted to succeed in a changing professional life: carbon dioxide intelligence, virtual intelligence, and AI competence. They are no longer viewed as mere merits – but may soon become the new normal.
Not very long ago, knowledge of Excel or other spreadsheet programs was enough to land a qualified office job. Today, the requirements look completely different. According to Ronit Avni, CEO of the educational technology company Localized, a new baseline for employability is taking shape. And it is based on three skills that have quickly become as fundamental as being able to use a web browser once was.
The new so-called skills triad consists of carbon intelligence, virtual intelligence, and AI competence. Together, they reflect a working life where climate demands, digitalization, and automation are changing what is required from today’s and tomorrow’s professionals.
"Instead of having an expert as the sole authority, the ability to use AI tools will become increasingly important in the future."
Carbon intelligence means understanding how different business decisions impact climate and the environment. Not only at the strategic level but in everything from product development to supply chains. New regulations mean that sustainability is no longer just an isolated responsibility for the environmental department. It is a concern for the entire organization.
Virtual intelligence is about the interpersonal skills required in a digitally distributed work environment. Being able to collaborate across time zones, build trust without physical meetings, and navigate the gray areas between work and personal life has become central in a work life where the office is often secondary.
The third component, AI competence, does not mean that every individual must become an expert in machine learning. However, it becomes increasingly important to be able to use artificial intelligence in daily work – in a creative, productive, and ethical manner.
Swedish research: AI is reshaping the workplace
How this development is changing the view of work and roles is also reflected in current Swedish research.
– Instead of having an expert who is the sole authority, the ability to use AI tools will become increasingly important in the future, says Frida Pemer, associate professor of business economics at the Stockholm School of Economics, to Akavia Aspekt.
She points out that AI cannot replace human empathy, but it does change how we organize work. Simpler, more routine tasks are automated, while the need for employees who can assess and refine AI-generated material increases.
– There will probably be a need for many employees in the tier that works in conjunction with AI. They need to have enough knowledge and experience to be able to assess and develop the material that AI produces, says Frida Pemer.
A new foundation for the workplace
Together, these three competence areas: climate understanding, digital collaboration skills, and AI knowledge form a new foundation course for the workplace. They are no longer competitive advantages, but minimum requirements.
Companies, educational actors, and decision-makers looking to equip the Swedish workforce for the future therefore need to ensure that these abilities become an obvious part of both education and skills development.
