New Economy Skills: Skills for the Maker Economy

Sep 24, 2026 New Economy Skills: Skills for the Maker Economy
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As AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure renewal accelerate, there is strong demand for the practical, hands-on skills needed to build, operate, maintain, repair and produce the goods and systems that economies depend on.

This third instalment of the New Economy Skills series examines how these maker skills are becoming a strategic advantage for economies and businesses. Drawing on unique data and insights, the report analyses global supply and demand trends. It finds that the maker skills pipeline is not yet prepared for the scale, pace or complexity of current and future demand. The report outlines how to address three key challenges: adapting to changing skill requirements, attracting more people into maker careers, and ensuring that maker skills are easier to assess, recognize and credential.

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