Reimagining Higher Education and Schools for 2040: Preparing Students for the AI-Driven Future of Work

Vadodara(Gujarat), India, 7th July 2025: Prof. Sandeep Vasant, a Fulbright Scholar and Registrar at Navrachana University Vadodara, has over two decades of experience in prominent leadership roles at some of the nation’s leading higher education institutions. A sought-after academician and consultant, he actively advises IT and tech companies alongside being a Professor of Computer Science.

The future of work is already here. AI, automation, and digital platforms are reshaping industries. To keep up, education systems must evolve urgently and thoughtfully. As an Academician and Administrator, I see the growing gap between what traditional education offers and what the future demands. We must rethink how we prepare students not just to survive, but to lead this new world.

W.E.F. estimates that 44% of current workforce skills will become outdated by 2027, while Dell Technologies predicts that 65% of today’s students will eventually work in jobs that don’t even exist yet. These projections are not just numbers—they’re a wake-up call to rethink education. The rapid advancement of AI and other emerging technologies demands that we, as educators, adapt swiftly to prepare students for a future that’s constantly evolving. Drawing reference from my IC3 Conference talk at Dehradun, I’ll share insights on how education systems can better align with this dynamic future, while underscoring the essential, irreplaceable role of human educators in this transformation.

By 2040, the workplace will be vastly different. Technologies like brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), virtual and augmented reality, and neural implants are becoming reality - like Neuralink’s brain prosthetics and ISRO’s neural drone tests point toward emerging careers in areas like neural tech, space-tech, and cognitive computing. India, with its growing innovation ecosystem, is in a strong position to lead. To prepare students for these fields, universities must begin teaching neuro-literacy, cognitive computing, and BCI programming. Schools should nurture curiosity from an early age by partnering with renowned research institutes and encouraging ethical and critical thinking.

At the same time, new digital work models—such as freelancing, gig work, and remote employment—are growing, often powered by Block-chain and smart contracts. India’s digital push, supported by NITI Aayog, creates the right environment for these careers. Many universities are responding with flexible, industry-aligned courses. Programs like an MSc in Computer Science at Navrachana University integrated with foundation modules designed around adaptability are helping students stay relevant in a fast-changing job market. 

Preparing for the future means teaching more than just technical skills. According to the OECD, people will likely change careers five to seven times in their lifetime. This means education must promote lifelong learning, personal growth, and resilience. Upskilling every few years should become the norm. Finland’s phenomenon-based learning, which connects subjects through real-world problems like climate change, encourages integrated thinking. Minerva University uses an active-learning model where students engage with global issues across disciplines. These models offer principles we can adapt for India: flexibility, relevance, and interdisciplinary learning—all grounded in our local needs and cultures. 

AI itself will be a big part of the learning environment. It can support personalized education, identify where students need help, and improve how institutions manage data. But AI is not a replacement for teachers. Educators need to be trained to use these tools effectively—and to focus on the human aspects that machines can’t provide: empathy, ethics, creativity, and mentorship.

As an academician and administrator, I also see the need to change how our academic systems work. Rigid degrees, one-size-fits-all courses, and separate subject silos no longer meet students' needs. At our university, we’ve started new models like cooperative education (co-op), social immersion programs like Khoj, and modular course structures that help students build real-world skills. These approaches not only make students employable but also help them grow as thoughtful, adaptable individuals. Though AI can deliver content quickly, it cannot inspire. Teachers’ lived experiences make learning more meaningful. They build curiosity and confidence.

As we look to 2040, our goal must be clear: to use technology not just to deliver education, but to enhance human potential. That means investing in digital access and equity, especially in light of findings from a 2022 Taylor & Francis study, which showed how deeply the digital divide affects learning. It also means creating flexible pathways for lifelong learning that prioritize skills and values over degrees alone. 

As educators and administrators, we have a responsibility to equip students not only with knowledge, but with the ability to grow, adapt, and lead. By combining the best of technology with the best of human-centred teaching, we can help Generations Z, Alpha, and Beta build a future that is innovative, inclusive, and meaningful.

The message is clear: the future will belong to those we prepare today—through a thoughtful blend of technology and human-centred education.