Blockchain And Crypto: Learning For Leading Indicator
From where I sit, I get to see vast data sets that tell me what people are learning today. A leading global online learning platform recently issued a global report focused on what people are learning most today, globally and in individual countries. That data tells you a lot about what businesses and individuals are prioritising to develop the skills required to succeed in today’s increasingly complex economy.
From tech skills related to cloud-based technologies and cybersecurity, to courses on power skills in communications and leadership, people are upskilling based on the biggest trends in automation and businesses over the last decade.
But when I look at job-posting data, it’s clear the technology skills-building landscape needs to shift. For instance, according to the Indeed Hiring Lab, the share of postings on Indeed as of last fall for web3, crypto, and blockchain jobs jumped 118% year over year. While nearly 30% of all crypto and blockchain job postings are in software development, the composition has shifted noticeably in the past year. They point out that crypto and blockchain jobs are expanding beyond software development into support functions like accounting and human resources.
Think of these emerging job opportunities as a leading indicator.
Blockchain is the engine powering everything from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, to trendy new virtual goods like non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, that artists of all kinds, including cinematic stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan, are using to varying degrees of success. Further, blockchain technology enables decentralised management of smart contracts, supply chains, medical data, and more. According to the PwC “Time for Trust Report,” blockchain innovation, and web3 more broadly, has the potential to add $1.76 trillion to the global economy by 2030. They also predict that the technology will enhance around 40 million jobs in the same period. Moreover, it is estimated that 56 per cent of Indian businesses are moving towards blockchain technology in one form or another. For instance, in its comprehensive report on national efforts to support blockchain development, the government of India shared examples of how blockchain technology is being put to work: “NITI Aayog, in collaboration with Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC), has developed a blockchain-based system for fertiliser subsidy. The team has also partnered with PwC and Intel to optimise the supply chain for the fertiliser subsidy. The application demonstrates the utilisation of blockchain features such as tamper-proof and transparency for efficient movement of fertiliser across the value chain.”
All of this argues for a massive education push to prepare our workforce for a future that is arriving even as I write this.
Though there is a noticeable gap between the educational infrastructure I think is needed to meet this moment and what is currently available, a growing number of skills-building and educational opportunities have been introduced recently to begin filling the void, and more are coming. In fact, there are online platforms which democratise access to best-in-class instructional infrastructure, are better able to respond to emerging trends – to be out in front of leading indicators like the rapid rise of web3 – than more traditional educational resources.
Newly introduced foundational courses in blockchain technologies can empower individuals and businesses to learn and grow in this field. For instance, the course on bitcoin, blockchain, and Blockchain applications is authored and presented entirely in Hindi. Few platforms are providing new courses tailored to an Indian audience, such as “Preparing for a Metaverse-Dominated Future of Global Business.” And, because of global platforms, there is a large and growing number of titles authored and presented in English by some of the best and brightest subject-matter experts working across the English-speaking world.
In addition to online learning opportunities for both individuals and businesses, people who wish to start or advance expertise in blockchain, crypto, and web3 should seek out and join the many thriving communities that can be found on Discord, Reddit, and other social outlets.
Businesses and everyday people who wish to stay relevant in a fast-changing world should keep their eye on the leading indicators. And that means getting smarter about blockchain, its potential, and its future in business and society.
