Future skills needs in the 2040s

More than 2,400 education experts from across Finland responded to the survey. They represented education providers, educational institutions such as schools and daycare centers, education administration, interest groups and research organisations. Responses were received from all levels and types of education throughout Finland.

Education experts were largely in agreement on the key skills that will be needed in the future. The report examines how important respondents considered different skills, what new skills they believe will be needed in the 2040s, and what role they see different levels and forms of education playing in developing these skills.

The survey was based on the Finnish National Agency for Education's work to develop a classification of transversal competences. In spring 2025, the Agency published a new classification that draws on national and international classifications and recommendations for transversal competences and was developed in collaboration with experts. The survey results confirmed the central importance of the competences included in the classification while also identifying some additional competences to be considered as the classification is further developed.

The competence classification and the survey results will support the Finnish National Agency for Education in preparing for the forthcoming renewal processes of national core curricula and the grounds of qualification requirements. The shared understanding gained on the most important transversal skills will also help guide the development of education to meet future needs.