Bridging the Skills Gap: Role of AI to Transform Talent Acquisition and Education in a Digitally Transformed World

Abstract

Because the world is becoming very digitized rapidly, this research paper studies how artificial intelligence can contribute to filling the skills gap between education HEIs and industry needs. The biggest disparities revealed in the study were the differences in skills produced by traditional academic frameworks versus skills demanded by employers, including digital literacy, artificial intelligence, and soft skills. The COVID-19 pandemic has sped up the digital revolution of education exposing critical gaps in technological readiness across different parts of the world. Integrated use of AI-powered tools embeds the ability to customize learning experiences, improve student engagement, and tailor curricula to market needs that can all contribute to improving workforce readiness. The paper includes that internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on projects are needed to allow for collaborative partnerships between academia and industry to enable students to gain relevant skills. The research also identifies barriers to AI adoption such as resistance to change, a worry over future data privacy, and standards around the ethics of using AI in educational practice. Finally, the findings indicate that education and talent acquisition can be narrowed by relying on AI for growth, innovation, and continuous learning. Finally, strategic investments in faculty development and technology infrastructure are needed to support this integration and to prepare students for future labor market challenges, the study concludes.