The European Union's pursuit of a twin transition, where digital and sustainable transitions are driven in parallel for greater innovation and efficiency, has significant implications for the adult industry. A recent report by Interface highlights the need for a workforce capable of integrating digital and sustainability expertise across sectors, while another study suggests that AI is having a nuanced impact on jobs in Europe.
The twin transition requires a workforce with green skills to deliver on its ambition. According to a World Economic Forum estimate, demand for green talent is growing rapidly, by 8 percent annually, and more than half of green hiring now occurs in roles without explicitly 'green' titles. This means that many professionals, including data scientists and AI specialists, may command an additional premium for holding green skills.
What Happened
A recent report by Interface examined Europe's AI workforce using the 604 green skills, competencies, and knowledge concepts defined by European Skills, Competences, Qualifications, and Occupations (ESCO) taxonomy. The study found that only one-third of Europe's AI workforce possesses "significant" green expertise, with this twin-transition talent concentrating in established hubs like London, Paris, and Berlin, and in countries with mature green economies such as the Nordic nations.
The report also highlighted gender disparities in the green AI workforce, with women underrepresented in these roles. This presents challenges regarding equality, particularly at a time when green skills are increasingly in demand. The study emphasized the need for strengthened workforce planning and training programs to fully leverage green and digital capabilities.
Background and Context
The European Union's pursuit of a twin transition is driven by the need for greater innovation and efficiency. However, this ambition depends on a workforce capable of integrating digital and sustainability expertise across sectors. The report by Interface highlights the importance of green skills in delivering on this ambition.
A recent study found that 30% of EU workers now use AI at work, especially for text tasks like writing and translation, and that digital tools have become nearly universal (90%) across workplaces. Many workers report that AI helps them perform tasks more efficiently or take on different responsibilities. At the same time, employers are actively reassessing job roles because of AI, with about 71% of European firms reconsidering job responsibilities due to AI implementation.
Why it Matters to the Industry
The adult industry relies heavily on digital infrastructure and AI-powered tools to deliver high-quality content and services. The twin transition and the growing demand for green skills have significant implications for this industry. As the report by Interface highlights, a workforce with green skills is essential for delivering on the EU's ambition.
The industry must adapt to the changing landscape of work and skills. With AI adoption spreading across Europe, firms are becoming cautious about hiring, in part because of economic slowdowns and in part because AI adoption is changing how work gets done. Economic indicators suggest employment growth across the EU will slow in the coming years, with fewer vacancies and reduced labour market dynamism even as AI use spreads.
What Comes Next
The industry must prepare for the changing landscape of work and skills. As the report by Interface highlights, strengthened workforce planning and training programs are essential for fully leveraging green and digital capabilities. The industry must adapt to the growing demand for green skills and invest in training and upskilling its workforce.
Key Facts
- The European Union is pursuing a twin transition, where digital and sustainable transitions are driven in parallel for greater innovation and efficiency.
- Only one-third of Europe's AI workforce possesses "significant" green expertise.
- Green skills are increasingly in demand, with a World Economic Forum estimate suggesting an annual growth rate of 8%.
- 30% of EU workers now use AI at work, especially for text tasks like writing and translation.
- About 71% of European firms reconsider job responsibilities due to AI implementation.
The industry must adapt to the changing landscape of work and skills. As the report by Interface highlights, strengthened workforce planning and training programs are essential for fully leveraging green and digital capabilities. The industry must invest in training and upskilling its workforce to meet the growing demand for green skills.