Today's speech by Vladimir Putin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum clearly reflects Russia's strategic course towards building a knowledge economy, where information technology and digitalization become key drivers of structural changes. Today we observe that digitalization is penetrating all spheres of the economy, radically changing the labor market and the requirements for specialists' qualifications.
The implementation of digital technologies—such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and cloud solutions—leads to the automation of routine operations and a reduction in the number of low-skilled jobs. This contributes to the formation of new professions: data analysts, neural network developers, cybersecurity specialists, digital platform operators, and engineers for robotic systems maintenance. Digitalization also stimulates the development of new forms of employment: remote work, freelancing, platform employment, and crowdworking are becoming increasingly common.
In addition, digital transformation requires new competencies: creativity, analytical thinking, quick learning, initiative, and stress resilience. This activates the development of educational programs based on digital technologies, online courses, and webinars, allowing workers to quickly adapt to the changing demands of the market.
As a result, the development of high technologies becomes not only a source of economic growth but also a catalyst for qualitative changes in the labor market, opening new opportunities for professional development and increasing the well-being of citizens.