Korn Ferry report: Skill gaps to surpass talent shortages by 2027

A study by global consulting firm Korn Ferry indicates that 77% of business leaders expect skill gaps to become a greater challenge than talent shortages by 2027. The research, which surveyed over 1,300 executives across more than 75 countries, highlights a significant shift in the workforce driven by artificial intelligence.

Key findings suggest that adaptability will be the most critical skill by 2027, followed by critical thinking and collaboration. Approximately 63% of respondents anticipate that AI agents will take over routine tasks, while 64% believe AI will impact knowledge-based roles more significantly than frontline positions.

Organizational structures are expected to evolve, with 65% of leaders predicting that work will be organized around specific skills rather than traditional job titles. Additionally, 91% of executives believe employees must take more responsibility for their own professional development, and 87% expect lateral career moves to become as important as traditional promotions.