Top managers speak plain text: This is how we master the economic crisis!

Top managers speak plain text: This is how we master the economic crisis!

Österreich - The Austrian economy is faced with considerable challenges in 2025. Current conversations among experts in the future.Frauen Alumnae Club (ZFAC) address the changed working conditions and the role of new technologies to secure the future of companies. Austria is the only EU country with a negative economic forecast for 2025. In the previous year, a decline of 1.2 % was recorded, which is the worst result in the European Union. The causes are complex: increased production costs, high energy prices, declining investments and stagnating consumption are increasing. Inflation in Austria is currently around 3 %, above the EU average and the target value of 2 %.

A survey of the 400 members of the ZFAC shows that 72 % of them consider digital skills as the most important management skills. Other relevant skills are strategic leadership (46 %) as well as analysis and problem-solving skills (37 %). In this tense situation, 76 % of managers feel under pressure. Almost a quarter of the managing directors use artificial intelligence (AI) to support ideas and visions. With 60 %, communication skills are at the top of the required management skills, followed by Empowerment Leadership with 40 %.

digital skills and AI in focus

As a study by McKinsey and the Stifterverband proved, the situation in the AI ​​area is not better. 86 % of German managers believe that their companies could better exploit the potential of AI. The study shows that 79 % of companies determine a lack of necessary competencies to use AI. Ethical reviews and critical reflections of AI systems are also the focus of the debates about the future of work. It is recommended that companies invest in AI competencies to secure their market position and increase their productivity by almost 20 %.

It is worthwhile for companies to enter into cooperation with universities. However, only 20 % of the companies surveyed actually implement this. Over half of the respondents believe that too little investments are made in educational offers, which underlines the urgency to better prepare university graduates for the requirements of the new world of work.

Future orientation with future skills

Another central topic are the so -called Future Skills, which, according to the Stifterverband and McKinsey, are necessary for coping with complex, digital challenges. These skills are divided into four categories: technological, digital, classic and transformative skills. At a time when the shortage of skilled workers and inflation dominate, the future skills framework is careful to promote social participation and competitiveness.

The need for further training and acquisition of future skills is clear: by 2026, 780,000 people must be trained in technological skills. Here, too, it can be seen that the pressure on managers to develop innovative solutions and integrate new technologies continues to grow. 45 % of the managers indicate that legal and regulatory requirements represent the greatest burden.

In times like this, it is essential for companies to actively address the challenges of digital transformation and prepare employees for the future of work. Artificial intelligence and digital skills can represent decisive competitive advantages.