ManpowerGroup Targets AI Workforce Gap with Davos Initiative
Event summary
- ManpowerGroup to present at World Economic Forum in Davos from January 19–23, 2026.
- 70% of job skills expected to change by 2030, yet 55% of employees report no workplace training in the past year.
- Launch of SmartStart USA initiative aims to equip 1 million young people with advanced manufacturing skills by 2035.
- New research to be unveiled: The Human Edge: Global Future of Work Trends, based on surveys of 12,000 workers and 40,000 employers.
- 2026 Global Talent Barometer reveals 64% of workers in 'job hugging' mode, waiting for clearer skill development opportunities.
The big picture
ManpowerGroup's Davos initiative underscores the critical need for workforce development in the face of AI-driven transformation. With 70% of job skills expected to change by 2030, the company is positioning itself as a key player in bridging the skills gap. The launch of SmartStart USA and new research reports highlight the persistent structural challenges of talent scarcity and the evolving expectations of the modern workforce. This strategic focus on human-AI collaboration could reshape how industries approach workforce development and economic growth.
What we're watching
- AI Adoption Pace
- How quickly organizations integrate AI while maintaining human workforce readiness.
- Talent Scarcity
- Whether the 72% talent shortage rate persists as a structural challenge across industries.
- Workforce Confidence
- The impact of declining worker confidence on job mobility and economic growth.
Related topics