BRICS launches skills forecasting initiative to counter tech-driven job disruption

The BRICS coalition has unveiled a coordinated effort to strengthen skills forecasting mechanisms across member nations, recognising the accelerating pace at which technological change is altering employment patterns and job requirements. The platform, known as BRICS CONNECT, will facilitate knowledge exchange among South Africa, Russia, India, China and Brazil on identifying emerging skill gaps and preparing workforces for future opportunities.

The initiative addresses growing concerns that rapid digitalisation and automation risk outpacing the capacity of education and training systems to produce appropriately skilled workers. By pooling expertise in labour-market intelligence and employability assessment, member nations aim to develop more sophisticated tools for predicting skill demands across sectors and regions.

BRICS CONNECT will enable participating countries to share methodologies for skills forecasting while promoting digital employment services that connect job seekers with relevant opportunities. The platform is expected to support policymakers in designing targeted training programmes and education policies aligned with projected labour-market needs. India, with its significant youth population and technology sector, stands to benefit from access to best practices in skills development and digital employment intermediation.

The initiative represents a recognition among BRICS members that national competitiveness increasingly depends on proactive workforce planning. Rather than responding reactively to technological disruption, the member states are positioning themselves to anticipate and shape transitions in employment, particularly in emerging sectors and digitally-enabled roles.