In times of constant change and rapid progress in technology, companies need to identify at an early stage those skills that will be in demand in an evolving future world of work. Traditional approaches to skills assessment often reach their limits, as the unpredictable nature of change makes accurate forecasting difficult.
To overcome this challenge, Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, in conjunction with the Institute of Human Factors and Technology Management IAT at the University of Stuttgart, launched the Global Upskill research initiative in 2023, with support from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation. This project is now being developed further through the new partnership with appose.
From analysis to practical application
Through the use of innovative learning algorithms, appose continuously analyzes trends in technology and tailors training to suit future requirements. “Our technology goes beyond the usual — it not only reveals which skills are needed, but also where untapped potential lies. This is how we make companies fit for the future,” says Marko Albrecht, CEO of appose. The appose solution supports companies not only in upskilling and reskilling, but also in strategic realignment. The idea is that companies could simulate, with the click of a mouse, how the introduction of artificial intelligence or autonomous driving, for instance, might affect the skills requirements for their workforce.
“appose means we can refine our analysis tools and make even more accurate predictions,” explains Tim Beichter, project manager at Fraunhofer IAO. The partnership also promises benefits for appose: As part of Global Upskill, appose can specifically improve its software and respond to shifting customer needs. “This partnership is a game changer — together we are setting new standards in transforming the workplace and creating real added value for the future viability of many companies,” explains Marko Albrecht.
Using a trend radar to identify future-relevant skills pathways
Fraunhofer IAO’s Global Upskill research initiative plays a central role in this project. Using a trend radar, the research team conducts a comprehensive analysis of relevant trends to create a suitable interface with corresponding future skills requirements. These tools lay the foundations for future analysis and identification of trends. The results of this project are groundbreaking and will be used as a basis in later project phases to define future-relevant skills pathways in partnership with appose. The project launched on July 1, 2024 and is expected to be successfully completed by the end of March 2025.
The project findings provide valuable insight into the future world of work and show how companies can best prepare for the challenges ahead.
Global Upskill is an initiative supported by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and supports organizations in identifying future-oriented trends and developing new skills through customized learning formats.
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO