As businesses across the EU and beyond adapt to rapid technological change, one thing is clear, the pace of innovation isn’t slowing down.
From AI to automation, the tools we use are evolving quickly and with them, the skills we need to succeed. But while technology is transforming how we work, it is people who truly shape outcomes.
Upskilling is no longer optional, it is essential. The World Economic Forum predicted that by this year half of all employees will need reskilling to keep up with technological advancements and evolving job requirements. Across the EU, the situation is equally pressing, with forecasts indicating that significant skills gaps could affect the workforce by 2030. This urgency is especially pronounced in the technology sector, where yesterday’s cutting-edge knowledge can quickly become outdated. As the demand for continuous learning surges, professionals must embrace continuous learning to stay competitive and relevant in their fields.
In response, many organisations are investing in training focused on the upskilling of technical capabilities including AI, cybersecurity, data analytics and more. These are all crucial, of course, but what really moves the dial are the human skills such as communication, adaptability, leadership and emotional intelligence. At emagine we call them power skills, and we believe they are what transform good professionals into great ones.
We have built programmes like our Entrepreneurial Project Management course around this very philosophy. This is not just about teaching frameworks and methodologies, it’s about equipping people to lead through uncertainty, influence across teams and deliver real impact and value to organisations. When delivering complex, high-value projects, focusing solely on the technical elements of project management, such as schedules and budgets, is no longer enough. To truly deliver the outcomes organisations expect, project managers must go beyond fixed processes to develop the skills that drive collaboration and adaptability. As outcome-focused delivery becomes increasingly important, it is these human capabilities that often determine success.
Additionally, as AI and automation become more embedded in how we deliver projects, the human in the loop becomes even more essential, offering the critical thinking, emotional intelligence and context awareness that technology can’t replicate. The future of high-performance project delivery will be led by people who can partner with technology, not just use it.
Learning Approach
How we learn is evolving rapidly. But there is still no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. The most effective training blends the speed and scale of digital tools with the experience and impact of human interaction. Platforms now offer many learning possibilities such as on-demand content, personalised learning paths and AI-powered recommendations tailored to individual needs. They make learning more accessible, flexible and scalable than ever before. But technology alone isn’t enough. It’s the mentor who sparks new thinking, the colleague who brings real-world insight, and the trainer who creates space for meaningful dialogue that truly embeds learning. These human moments, conversations, feedback and collaboration are what bring concepts to life.
Looking ahead, technology will no doubt play an even greater role in shaping how we learn. AI will help us stay ahead of emerging skill demands, while immersive tools like virtual and augmented reality will open up new possibilities for experiential learning. But at its core, learning remains a human experience. It is shaped not just by content, but by connection to those shared moments of curiosity, support and problem-solving that make it meaningful.
In a constantly evolving world, success isn’t just about knowing more. It’s about learning better, and that means building training experiences that are as dynamic, practical and people-focused as the teams we are supporting.
