Bangalore: A study conducted by the Institute for the Future (IFTF) of the University of Phoenix Research Institute highlighted six essential drivers and 10 key skills needed for work in the next  ten years, though it did not take into consideration the jobs of the future. This is because in the past the predictions about the jobs have been proved wrong. Hence, this report looks at future work skills and the abilities and proficiencies required for the same.

The methodology used by IFTF for this study is- Foresight to Insight to Action, a process that enables people to take future visions and convert them into meaningful insights and actions to be taken to be successful in the future.

According to the research the most important and relevant Six drivers to the future work skills are as under.

Extreme longevity: It is estimated that by 2025, the number of Americans over the age of 60 will be increase by 70 percent. Over the next decade the challenge of an aging population will come to the fore. New perceptions of what it means to age, as well as the emerging possibilities for realistic, healthy life-extension will begin to take hold. In this phase multiple careers will be a commonplace and lifelong learning to prepare for occupational change will see major growth, creating more diversity and flexibility.

Rise of smart machines and systems: In the next decade, new smart machines will enter factories, offices, and homes in large numbers. The smart machines will also set new expectations and standards of performance; where by some routine jobs will be taken over by machines. Thus, as a result there will be a new level of human-machine collaboration.