Commentary: The Future of Work, Digital Transformation, and Entrepreneurship

The workplace and entrepreneurship are inextricably linked to one another, as a shift in the workplace or labour force could profoundly impact entrepreneurship and vice versa. For example, if businesses increase their demand for certain technologies, entrepreneurial activity could increase while an increase in unemployment could cause an increase in ‘necessity’ or ‘survival’ entrepreneurs. Therefore, it is vital to stay informed about what the future of work could look like. This commentary piece highlights some key trends from WEF’s Future of Jobs 2025 report, and we suggest how these trends could impact entrepreneurship over the next five years.

Data from the latest Future of Jobs Report reveals that broadening digital access is set to become the most transformative trend impacting businesses by the end of this decade. According to employer projections, 60% expect expanded digital connectivity to reshape their operations significantly by 2030.

But it doesn’t stop there. Technological advancements are also expected to play a major role in redefining the future of work. A staggering 86% of employers cited artificial intelligence and information processing as key forces of change, followed by robotics, automation (58%), and energy innovations such as generation, storage, and distribution technologies (41%).

These shifts are also reshaping the job market. Some roles are set for rapid growth, particularly in tech-heavy sectors, while others risk becoming obsolete. This divergence will likely deepen the divide between those who can adapt and those who can’t.

To stay competitive, businesses and workers alike will need to prioritize upskilling, particularly in digital and technical fields. The fastest-growing skill areas are expected to include:

• Artificial intelligence and big data

• Networks and cybersecurity

• General technological literacy

How Could This Affect Entrepreneurship?

Due to the increased demand for technology-related skills, particularly in AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy, SMMEs can create solutions focused on:

1. Upskilling: As technologies advance and companies look to incorporate AI into their business processes, entrepreneurs should create solutions focused on improving employees’ digital competencies.

2. Automating operational procedures: Create solutions focusing on automating key business processes such as compliance, finances, and sales and marketing. Reports suggest that more than $1 trillion is spent on marketing globally each year. AI Solutions can help businesses create ad campaigns at a fraction of the cost. The AI industry is also attracting significant investment: the Trump administration announced that $500 billion will be invested in AI infrastructure development. This is yet another signal that creating AI-enabled businesses is the present and future within the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

3. Robotics: Entrepreneurs in the manufacturing, agriculture, and mobility spaces can help employers transform their businesses by creating innovative robotic solutions

How can we help you?

Market Insyte offers personalised market research services tailored to entrepreneurs' needs.

If you would like to schedule a business model consultation, feel free to book a session here

If you would like us to conduct a personalised market research study, feel free to schedule a complimentary discovery call 

Browse our public market research library