Research and Innovation Center Future Skills

Future skills are a critical factor in preparing companies and organizations for continuous technological, market-based and societal changes. They create the basis for a flexible response to new challenges and for securing our own long-term competitiveness. Developments such as artificial intelligence and growing demands for sustainability are accelerating the emergence of new skill and job profiles. Professional development and continuing education are of central importance in this context with a view to actively accelerating the necessary knowledge transfer.

In spite of the general awareness of the relevance of future skills and continuous professional development, many organizations face considerable challenges when it comes to practical implementation: The aim is to identify future skills requirements at an early stage, initiate appropriate measures, develop agile learning formats, and establish a dynamic culture of learning. The Future Skills research and innovation center operates from the Heilbronn education campus as an internationally recognized platform and contact hub for all questions relating to sustainable continuing education. The aim is to sustainably bolster progressive thinking, adaptability, transparency, and innovative strength in the arena of professional development — in particular through the use of AI-supported innovation processes.

Key topics:

• Navigating professional development trends and technologies: How can continuous, data-based and AI-supported monitoring of professional development trends and technologies be shaped and implemented effectively?
• AI-based identification and management of future skills: How can future skills and job profiles be systematically and continuously extrapolated in an automated way, and how can holistic systems be developed for strategy-oriented competency management within companies?
• Development of innovative learning formats and cultures for professional development: How can design factors in in professional development — such as learning formats, culture, and success — be developed in a sustainable way and in conjunction with new learning technologies?