Insights from Businesses: How Digital Transformation Is Impacting Work and Skill Needs

This summer, we’ve been speaking with employers to learn how businesses are adopting technology in the workplace, and if COVID-19 accelerated these efforts; how digital transformation is impacting skill needs for frontline workers; and what approaches businesses are taking to support development of digital skills for frontline workers.This virtual event looks at what we have learned from employers and what can and should be done to help workers build the skills they need to advance in the workplace. This is the third part of a year-long study looking at how COVID-19 and heightened attention to racial inequality were affecting businesses, their operations, skill needs, hiring and HR practices, and education and training programs. Speakers include Andres Alcantar (Senior Workforce Lead, Texas Association of Community Colleges), Kelly Ryan Bailey (Global Skills Evangelist, Emsi Burning Glass), Amy Blair (Research Director, The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program), Patti Constantakis (Director, Corporate Philanthropy, Walmart.org), Maureen Conway (Vice President, The Aspen Institute; Executive Director, The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program), Reggie Davis (Senior Director of Distribution, The Container Store), Daryl Graham (Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, Strada Education Network), Rachael Stephens (Program Director, Workforce Development & Economic Policy, National Governors Association), and moderator Jaime Fall (Director, UpSkill America at the Aspen Institute). The Economic Opportunities Program’s Opportunity in America discussion series has moved to an all-virtual format as we all do what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19. But the conversations about the changing landscape of economic opportunity in the US and implications for individuals, families, and communities across the country remain vitally important. We hope you will participate as we bring our discussions to you in virtual formats, and we look forward to your feedback. We are grateful to the Ford Foundation, Prudential Financial, Walmart.org, the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, and the Surdna Foundation for their support of this series.