What’s happening
Digital badges, micro-credentials and skills-based hiring are growing. Employers still rely heavily on degrees and job titles, and credentials are scattered across many platforms.
Timing: LATER — roughly 5–10 years before this becomes structural.
Why it matters
Skills go out of date quickly. A living skills record helps people move between jobs and helps employers find talent beyond traditional qualifications.
What would make it real
- Employers hire and promote using verified skills records
- Common standards so credentials move between platforms
- Governments and professional bodies recognize them
What would kill it
- Too many low-quality credentials that employers ignore
- Degrees remain the default filter
- Privacy concerns about lifelong tracking