As AI and frontier technologies threaten to replace many of the jobs we currently depend on, we are witnessing an accelerating “tech talent war” for people with skills to train, deploy and use these powerful technologies. This demand has never been higher and is only going to accelerate. As these technologies continue to shape our future, addressing the crucial need for talent at a policy level is imperative. Some governments and academia worldwide are starting to recognise this need and taking innovative steps to bridge the skills gap, some through policy and some via programmes. We urgently need both and more.

Well-crafted programmes can significantly increase innovation and investment into technologies. The partners at EdenBase truly understand the importance of this and have extensive experience working with governments, including pioneering the UK’s TechNation strategy, the Swiss government supported Kickstart programme and advising the EU Commissioners on future of work and technology policy. Here are some notable examples of skills and technology policy and programmes:

• Singapore's recently announced a 'Mid-Career Upskilling' initiative, aimed at financially supporting individuals over the age of 40 looking to upskill in AI. By providing financial aid for training, Singapore is setting a benchmark for how governments can actively participate in workforce re-education and the promotion of lifelong learning.

• The U.K. government’s Digital Skills Bootcamps are targeting individuals aged 19 and above with a 16-week intensive training program, covering a range of subjects including data science and software development. An excellent example of how targeted education initiatives can rapidly enhance the skill set of the workforce, increasing resilience to technological changes.

• Northeastern University has pioneered the concept of Co-op work placements, deeply integrating vocational education with formal learning as a critical factor in the tech sector and beyond. This innovative approach results in approximately 80% to over 90% of their graduates securing employment, showcasing the effectiveness of combining academic learning with practical experience.

• The Government of Nigeria has announced a Tech City in Abuja to foster innovation in AI and frontier technologies. This strategy was accelerated following a meeting with our partner, Daniel Doll-Steinberg, who examined the idea with them in October last year.

The Importance of Policy Interventions

Whilst these technologies are being developed and deployed by startups, funded by investors like EdenBase, tech giants and corporations - governments play a crucial role in creating policy interventions to address the talent gap. By implementing programs that encourage upskilling and reskilling, governments can ensure that their workforce remains competitive in the global economy.

With numerous elections taking place globally, now is an ideal time to call on policymakers to define and accelerate their approach to AI and digital skills. This should span from early years’ education and mid-career retraining to measures that ensure older generations and all parts of society are neither left behind nor excluded, enabling them to understand, harness and benefit from these technologies.

Initiatives like these serve as examples in the realm of policymaking to address the skills gap. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and emerging technologies, we must continue to advocate for and support policies that empower all levels of our societies to benefit in this new era.