A new talent foresight report reveals the main challenges and opportunities for developing key skills in the city’s strategic sectors.
Building a knowledge-based economy requires understanding where the world of work is heading. That is why the Mayor’s Office of Medellín, through Ruta N, led a foresight study analyzing transformations in the demand for talent in science, technology, and innovation (STI), with the goal of guiding public policy, training, and employability actions for the coming years.
The report identifies the technological areas with the greatest growth potential in the city—such as software development, data analytics, industrial automation, biotechnology, and clean technologies—and outlines a clear roadmap to anticipate labor market changes and train the talent Medellín needs.
A Change in the Rules of the Game
The companies consulted agree that technical knowledge alone is no longer enough. Today, skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, data analysis, and teamwork are also required. These competencies, known as “power skills,” are increasingly valued when hiring talent, especially in sectors with high innovation potential.
Training that Connects with the Future
Among the study’s most important recommendations are:
Designing flexible training models adapted to emerging career paths, integrating theory and practice from early stages.
Strengthening ties between educational institutions, the business sector, and public entities to build a shared training agenda for the workforce.
Promoting career guidance and inclusion strategies that allow more people—especially women, young people, and those undergoing labor reconversion—to access opportunities in technological and innovative sectors.
A City that Prepares Itself
Medellín has key strengths: a young human capital, a growing network of technical and higher education institutions, and a strong commitment to technological development. This foresight report consolidates that vision with evidence and a long-term perspective.
Check out the report data here