WEF: AI Set to Transform Global Supply Chain Workforce

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025 forecasts a seismic shift in the global economy, driven by AI and automation. These technologies are reshaping supply chains and labour markets, bringing both challenges and opportunities for businesses and workers alike.

AI is poised to replace numerous manual roles while simultaneously creating entirely new positions, making adaptability essential.

The WEF compares this transformation to the industrial revolution in its scale, with its impact already being felt across industries worldwide.

Navigating AI’s impact on labour markets

The WEF estimates that by 2030, 86% of businesses will be affected by technological advances, leading to the creation of 170 million jobs globally but displacing 92 million roles in the process. This delicate interplay of innovation and disruption requires organisations to rethink workforce strategies, supply chain management and procurement processes.

Based on surveys of 1,000 companies across 22 industries and 55 economies, the report highlights the need for businesses to prepare for the rapid pace of change.

While traditional roles are declining, new opportunities are emerging for individuals equipped with AI-relevant skills. Companies increasingly prioritise upskilling, with 85% aiming to train their workforce and 70% planning to hire talent with expertise in AI and related fields.

Generative AI (Gen AI) exemplifies this shift. Since OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT in 2022, investment in Gen AI has surged almost eightfold, fuelling progress not only in software but also in the physical infrastructure supporting these technologies.

AI tools like ChatGPT are already improving productivity by enabling less experienced employees to tackle tasks previously handled by specialists. For instance, roles such as clerks, nurses and teaching assistants now benefit from AI-powered enhancements that optimise operations and streamline workflows.

Rather than simply eliminating jobs, AI is becoming a tool for empowerment. Companies are leveraging these technologies to optimise supply chains and procurement, using data insights and automation to drive efficiency.

Automation’s growing role in supply chains

Automation, particularly in manufacturing, is another key factor transforming global supply chains.

The installation of industrial robots has surged, with five countries – China, Japan, the US, South Korea and Germany – accounting for 80% of global deployments. These nations also lead in robot density, with 162 robots per 10,000 workers, a figure that has doubled in seven years.

However, the impact of automation varies across regions. For example, more than 60% of employers in the top five robot-adopting nations expect major changes to their supply chains by 2030. By contrast, this figure is only 39% in Sub-Saharan Africa and 44% in the Middle East and North Africa.

This increased reliance on automation is driving demand for continuous workforce upskilling.

Judith Wiese, Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Siemens AG, notes: “Imagine if a five-year degree were designed for today’s skills; by the time it is completed, two years’ worth of those skills would already be outdated.”

To meet these challenges, online platforms such as Coursera are offering targeted training in AI-related fields. India and the US lead enrolments, thanks to a combination of corporate sponsorships and individual learners aiming to develop competencies such as prompt engineering, which involves crafting effective inputs for AI systems.

The green transition 

As businesses grapple with AI integration, they are also contending with the green transition. Climate change mitigation is expected to transform nearly half of all businesses by 2030, spurring demand for green roles such as renewable energy engineers and autonomous vehicle specialists.

However, growth isn’t limited to high-tech sectors. Frontline roles, including delivery drivers and farmworkers, are also expanding due to demographic shifts. The care economy – encompassing nursing and social work – is seeing rising demand, particularly in ageing populations.

Despite these changes, skills gaps remain a significant barrier. According to the WEF, 63% of employers identify this as the main obstacle to transformation. Organisations must focus on aligning workforce development with technological advancements to fully capitalise on opportunities within supply chains and procurement networks.

The fastest-growing roles reflect this dual focus on technology and sustainability. Positions like AI engineers, big data specialists and fintech experts sit alongside emerging green roles, signalling the interconnectedness of digital transformation and environmental responsibility.

As Judith highlights: “Urgent upskilling is essential, as nearly 40% of the skills currently required on the job are set to change.”

The intersection of technology, sustainability and shifting demographics highlights the need for adaptability in today’s economy. By investing in workforce training, embracing automation and leveraging AI to optimise supply chains, businesses can navigate this transformative period successfully.

As the WEF report demonstrates, while challenges abound, the opportunities to innovate and thrive are equally significant.

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