Observed Signal · Feb 16, 2018 · Research Study · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Study: In-Demand Soft & Hard Skills in 10 Years
LinkedIn commissioned a study of 305 German executives and HR leaders with more than 50 employees to identify which hard and soft skills are in demand today and likely to rise in importance over the next decade. The hard skill rankings show little change at the top: knowledge management, data analysis and interpretation, and project management remain most sought after. Notably, knowledge management is increasing in importance, with over 90% of respondents rating it highly in ten years, up from 82% today. Among hard skills, general digital competence (+16.7 percentage points), understanding of programming (+16.5 pp), and corporate leadership (+23.1 pp) show the largest gains. Soft skills are evolving more substantially: cross-functional capabilities, intercultural competence, and team/people leadership rise in prominence, while creativity declines slightly. The study also touches on e-learning adoption, with 41% of respondents not yet considering digital learning, 25% already using E-Learning, and 16% planning to begin within a year.
Signals evolving skill demands in marketing/advertising industry.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- LinkedIn study surveyed 305 German executives and HR leaders with 50+ employees.
- Hard skills top three remain knowledge management, data analysis & interpretation, and project management.
- Knowledge management rises to over 90% importance in ten years (from 82% today).
- Largest hard-skill gains: general digital competence +16.7 pp, programming understanding +16.5 pp, corporate leadership +23.1 pp.
- Soft skills shift toward cross-functional, intercultural, and team leadership; creativity declines.
Connected Companies & Entities
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AI & Hybrid Skills Dominate 2026 Job Market
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