Basics for the Future – Basic Competency Shifts in the AI Era

Abstract The rapid advancement and increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping the competencies required in various professional and personal contexts. While much research has focused on specialized competencies, the role and evolving significance of basic competencies remain underexplored. This study addresses this problem by investigating how the relevance of basic competencies shifting in the AI era. Using a Delphi study involving 34 experts from academia and practice, 18 basic competencies were identified and evaluated, and their future importance in the context of weak and strong AI was examined. The findings reveal that, for example, competency in critical thinking and decision-making competency are expected to grow, while others, like foreign language competency, may diminish. These results provide valuable insights for education and organizations aiming to adapt their strategies to better prepare individuals for an AI-driven world.