Critical thinking and problem solving top the list of essential skills future innovators must learn, according to findings from the Global Index, 2026 survey published in the Bosch Tech Compass 2026.
A strong majority of survey respondents identified analytical capabilities as paramount, with 45 per cent selecting critical thinking and problem solving as a key priority.
Creativity closely followed, cited by 40 per cent of those surveyed as crucial for the next generation of innovators.
Technical and educational foundations also feature prominently in the survey results. Strong STEM promotion emerged as a key requirement for 33 per cent of respondents, closely trailed by digital skills at 32 per cent. Meanwhile, 30 percent emphasized the necessity of lifelong learning to keep pace with evolving technological demands.
Interpersonal skills, adaptability, and business acumen round out the competencies highlighted by the respondents.
Collaboration and communication were chosen by 29 per cent, while 27 per cent pointed to an entrepreneurial mindset as vital for future development.
Further down the ranking, personal resilience and emotional intelligence registered as significant factors. Resilience and a positive mindset were selected by 24 per cent of respondents, while 22 per cent highlighted empathy and intercultural competence as necessary competencies for future innovators.
The figures reflect the percentage of survey respondents who selected each specific competency when asked what future innovators need to learn.
