Mapping the Junction of Digital-Green Skills for the Twin Transition

Many nations, including Canada, grapple with complex socioeconomic and ecological challenges, including climate change and economic well-being. Global leaders have identified “failure to mitigate climate change” as the biggest risk faced by humanity, closely followed by the related “failure of climate change adaptation,” “natural disasters and extreme weather events,” and “biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse.” At the same time, leading Canadian economists are voicing concerns about economic and labour force challenges like declining domestic productivity or Canada’s economic output per worker. As noted in a recent article by the Globe and Mail, “2023 marked the third annual consecutive decline [in productivity] for the first time in at least 40 years.” This comes alongside a general decline in Canadian competitiveness, resulting from a loss of investor confidence, including fewer investments in Canadian securities and foreign investors selling off Canadian equities.

This research unravels in-demand digital-green skills in Canada. First, it investigates employment opportunities and skills needs at the intersection of the digital-green economies and maps central components of the digital-green economy. Then, it disentangles the evolving labour market, including labour market shifts and transferable skills as digital-green skills become increasingly needed across all sectors. It concludes by highlighting emerging and future roles that will specialize in digital-green activities. Importantly, this analysis clarifies that the twin transition will impact the entire economy, requiring workers across occupations to upskill. As emphasized by research participants, including employers and subject matter experts, digital-green skills are already being layered onto existing jobs.

To shape this analysis, ICTC conducted an employer survey, key informant interviews with employers and subject matter experts, and completed a literature review, including a comprehensive review of existing skills and competency frameworks for the digital and green economies.