Having previously explored the Top 10 Skills for 2025 and why using simulation training is beneficial, we want to analyze how and where do business simulations address the WEF 2025 skills.
Where can business simulations address the WEF 2025 skills?
From this point on in this article, we only speak for the business simulations we supply. There are other good simulations available on the market, but simulations we are not knowledgeable about.
With each of the World Economic skills, we have listed their definition of what it is, and provided a short overview of how we address the skill in our simulation.
1. Analytical thinking and innovation
What does it mean?
The job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Simulation benefit
Provision of multiple sources of asynchronous data during simulation requires analysis, assimilation and logic to solve ever increasing complex problems.
2. Active learning and learning strategies
What does it mean?
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Selecting and using training or instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Simulation benefit
A real-time environment requires deep understanding of the past and forecasting to enable high-quality decision-making in the present. Knowledge gaps are identified and new methods of learning need to be employed during reflection time or in situ.
3. Complex problem-solving
What does it mean?
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Simulation benefit
Challenges presented by the game such as cashflow or integration of Emissions data are presented during simulation. Lightbulb moments occur to participants as they evaluate options and implement appropriate solutions.
4. Critical thinking and analysis
What does it mean?
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Simulation benefit
Through group iteration, ideas are posited, prioritized, and discarded according to importance, significance, risk, and knowledge.
5. Creativity, originality and initiative
What does it mean?
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Simulation benefit
All participants have to help & innovate to make the simulated organization work. We call it the vortex!
6. Leadership and social influence
What does it mean?
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge and offer opinions and direction.
Simulation benefit
Simulation by its nature allows leadership to occur in all its many different formats and to analyse the merits of each. Scheme’s of delegation must be addressed.
7. Technology use, monitoring and control
What does it mean?
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job. Controlling operations of equipment or systems. Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Simulation benefit
Provided with simplistic models, teams may use any technology they like to solve the complex environment. Effective governance (monitoring and feedback) and propagation of innovation are brought to the fore.
8. Technology design and programming
What does it mean?
Writing computer programs for various purposes. Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Simulation benefit
Users will adapt the tools provided or bring new systems to the table to resolve issues. Planning and architecture skills developed but our simulation is not designed to teach people how to code.
9. Resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility
What does it mean?
The job requires being open to change and to considerable variety in the workplace. It requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. The job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations
Simulation benefit
An ever-changing marketplace is represented with news articles that highlight the need for the organization to become agile, and thus the people operating it. The simulation is a ‘safe-zone’ to allow people to explore their emotions, their behaviours, and that of others. Importantly, the simulation is specifically designed to highlight these reflections.
10. Reasoning, problem-solving and ideation
What does it mean?
Abilities that influence the application and manipulation of information in problem-solving. Abilities that influence the solution of problems involving mathematical relationships
Simulation benefit
Profitability is a multi-layered problem with data that is needed to be retrieved from multiple sources within an organization. In order to truly understand how this data interrelates requires analysis, smart problem solving, and understanding of the mathematical relationships. This and many other compound issues are presented throughout.
It’s important to note that during any simulation, the skills needed are all touched upon, and this is why simulations give great context for further training. Prior to any engagement, I would suggest that you take the time to engage with a proper needs analysis which will get to the heart of the organizational goals, the team’s strengths and weaknesses and the development needs of those participating.
Innovations should all be recorded and then, as I call it, ‘landing the plane’: turning their own ideas into actionable changes in their own workplace. But there again, that’s just going to happen anyway.
Find out how our simulations can upskill your workforce here.