Are We Ready for the Future?
As artificial intelligence transforms industries and automation takes over routine jobs, one question becomes increasingly urgent: Do adults possess the skills necessary to adapt and succeed? The OECD’s 2023 Survey of Adult Skills offers a global assessment of literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving abilities among adults aged 16 to 65. The results are concerning—many adults lack the essential skills needed to thrive in the modern economy.
The Stark Reality: Declining Skills Across Generations
One of the most concerning findings of the survey is that, in many countries, adult skill levels have stagnated or declined over the past decade. While Finland and Denmark have made notable improvements in literacy, most other nations have seen either no progress or setbacks. In terms of numeracy, eight countries recorded improvements, but others, including Poland and Lithuania, experienced significant declines.
Perhaps even more troubling is that young adults in several countries, including New Zealand and Poland, scored lower than their counterparts did a decade ago. This raises questions regarding the effectiveness of current education systems and whether they are truly preparing individuals for lifelong learning.
Which Countries Are Leading—and Which Are Falling Behind?
The OECD's assessment ranked countries based on average proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. The top-performing nations include:
- Finland – Highest scores in literacy and numeracy
- Japan – Tied with Finland in problem-solving
- Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands – Consistently strong performers
On the other end of the spectrum, eleven countries (Chile, Croatia, France, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Korea, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, and Spain) consistently perform below the OECD average in all skills domains. Chile, Poland, Portugal, and Lithuania recorded the lowest average scores. In these countries with the lowest scores, over 40% of adults struggle with basic literacy and numeracy tasks, placing them at a significant disadvantage in an increasingly knowledge-driven world.
The Impact of AI and Automation on Skills Demand
With artificial intelligence now able to perform complex problem-solving tasks, many jobs that once required human cognitive abilities are at risk of automation. This is especially concerning for countries with low literacy and numeracy levels, as individuals lacking these foundational skills may struggle to adapt to new job roles. The report indicates that AI is not entirely replacing jobs but rather transforming them. While repetitive tasks are being automated, the demand for higher-level problem-solving, adaptability, and digital literacy is increasing. This implies that adults with strong information-processing skills will have an advantage in the workforce, whereas those without them may fall further behind.
Who is Being Left Behind?
Beyond national differences, the survey highlights significant skill gaps between different demographic groups:
- Older adults (ages 55-65) scored lower in all skill areas compared to younger generations, highlighting the need for enhanced lifelong learning initiatives.
- Foreign-born individuals generally scored lower than their native-born counterparts, with the largest disparities observed in Finland and Germany.
- Men excelled in numeracy, while women achieved slightly higher literacy scores on average.
- Adults with less-educated parents displayed notably lower skill levels, indicating that socio-economic background plays a vital role in skill development.
What Can Be Done? The Need for Urgent Policy Action
The OECD warns that without intervention, skill gaps will continue to widen, exacerbating social inequalities and economic disparities. The report calls for:
- Increased investment in lifelong learning: Training shouldn’t end after formal education. Governments must ensure upskilling opportunities are widely accessible.
- Enhanced digital literacy programs: As AI transforms the workforce, basic digital skills should be included in adult education programs.
- Support for vulnerable groups: Immigrant adults, low-income individuals, and older workers require targeted initiatives to enhance their skills.
- Reforms in the education system: Schools should prioritize problem-solving, adaptability, and critical thinking to better prepare future generations.
Conclusion: A Race Against Time
As the world experiences rapid economic and technological changes, adults' skills must keep pace. The OECD’s findings act as a wake-up call: if countries do not invest in education and training, millions will struggle to adapt. Whether through government policy, employer initiatives, or individual efforts, the need for lifelong learning has never been more essential.
What do you think? Are today’s education and training programs sufficiently preparing adults for the future?
Based on: OECD (2024), "Do Adults Have the Skills They Need to Thrive in a Changing World?" OECD Skills Studies.