The Role of Digital Talents in the Transition to Circular Business Models for Environmental Conservation

Abstract

The problem of environmental conservation and resource-efficient functioning of enterprises is currently one of the most urgent for developed and developing economies of the world. The opportunities for improving the efficiency of companies' activities in the field of environmental conservation in Industry 4.0 conditions are strongly connected with new business models and technologies of the digital economy. The use of digital solutions can significantly reduce emissions, increase the rational use of resources, improve energy efficiency, etc. Moreover, the whole concept of interaction of economic agents with each other and with the environment is changing. In general, this allows, firstly, deploying different solutions to improve the interaction of economic entities with the environment due to the application of different digital technologies (deep technologies, including Artificial intelligence, Industrial Internet of Things, Blockchain, Additive manufacturing, etc.). Secondly, to switch to new business models those are most effective in the context of human interaction with the environment. An example is the circular business model. However, the implementation of both options requires the availability of appropriate specialists in the field of the digital economy – digital talents. Now there is a significant gap in this area between demand and supply in the labor market. A shortage of digital talent exists. The distribution of digital talents in enterprises is unreasonable. The lack of digital talent, especially high-end technical specialists, is prominent, as is the lack of low-end technicians and technicians familiar with the industry. The core characteristic of digital talents is the ability to quickly and accurately find out novel information and new situations in the information field amidst the constant renewal of information technology. This requires the ability to learn continuously and independently. The training of these technicians in universities is essential. The solution to existing challenges is possible based on the development of effective interaction between educational institutions and the subjects of the labor market. The paper contains the main directions of digital talents cultivation in the context of transition to circular sustainable business models.