GenZ’s priorities represent a complete shift in perspective on the tech industry, Dell’s Future Proof report shows. 

The global report took a deep dive into the view of 18 to 26 year olds on the tech industry, technology’s place in the economy, workplace, and the future overall. 

As GenZ grows up and enters the workforce, their perspective is becoming the future of work, and a lot of their priorities are shaped by the pandemic and climate change. 

Dr Eliza Filby, Generations expert & Historian of contemporary values, said: “It’s clear that Gen Z individuals are tuned in to both the politics and policies shaping their future. 

“The time between now and 2025 elections provides an enormous opportunity for policy makers to work with this part of the electorate on the solutions we need to start building today, for the challenges we will face tomorrow. “

Sustainability Over Economic Growth

Globally, over a third (41%) of the GenZ would be willing to accept short-term economic limitations, such as lower GDP growth, for policmakers to invest in a longer term  strategy that promotes sustainable growth. 

Further, 65% of those surveyed believe that technology will play a major role in tackling climate change. 

With many of Gen Z willing to bear short-term economic limitations, they ranked sustainable energy (50%), enabling a circular economy (36%) and more sustainable public transport (29%) as the top three areas for governments to prioritize. A fifth of respondents (20%) also expressed support for greater sustainability education for citizens.   

Gen Z’s confidence that public sector recovery investments would deliver a flourishing economy within 10 years is split: Over a third (40%) have low or no confidence, 39% are undecided, and 21% have high or total confidence.

Digital Divide and Skills Gap

In the UK specifically, GenZ respondents were concerned about digital skills education. 

44% of UK respondents feel that educators and businesses should work together to bridge the digital skills gap with the speed at which technology continues to evolve this will require constant collaboration. 

Over half (52%) of UK respondents said that school only taught them very basic computing skills and one-in-ten (10%) did not receive any technology or digital skills education. Four-in-ten (40%) claim school (under 16) didn’t prepare them with the technology skills needed for their planned career. 

To help bridge the digital skills gap, a third (35%) of respondents suggested making technology courses at all education levels more interesting and widely available. Over a quarter (29%) believe mandatory technology courses up to 16 years will encourage young people into technology-driven careers

These concerns are echoed by many professionals in Scotland, including Toni Scullion, computing science teacher and founder of DressCode, who spoke to Digit last year regarding the need for more support in digital skills training. 

GenZ recognises the importance of digital skills, with 74% considering learning new digital skills to be essential to increase future career development. 

Richard Rawcliffe, Vice President and General Manager UK Public Sector, Dell Technologies commented: “It’s clear that Gen Z sees technology as pivotal for their future prosperity. 

“However, there is still a digital poverty gap in parts of our society, as well as a digital skills gap, so more can be done to set them up for success through improvements in the quality and access to digital learning for all. It will require constant collaboration between businesses and schools to keep pace as technology evolves and bridge this digital skills gap. 

“What’s up for grabs is a flourishing society and economy which includes everyone. And we’re excited to continue working with our partners in the public and private sector to make this a reality.”

GenZ believes access to devices and connectivity for disadvantaged groups (33%) and connectivity in rural areas (22%) are investments the government should prioritise to address the digital divide. 

Digital Natives

Investing in health care services (57%) is also a major concern for GenZ, no doubt spurred mu increased wait times due to staff shortages and abysmal wages leading to strikes.

As well, investment in closing the skills gap and sustainable/green infrastructure made up the top three priorities of GenZ across the globe. 

Richard Rawcliffe, Vice President and General Manager UK Public Sector, Dell Technologies commented: “Gen Z is the group that will be most impacted by public and private investment decisions taken today as the future workforce that will facilitate and maintain long-term, sustainable recovery. 

“Gen Z comprises digital natives passionate about social issues such as sustainability. There is an opportunity to earn the support of Gen Z for longer-term strategies that put digital transformation and sustainability at the core of economic growth strategies. 

“Interestingly, the data revealed that acceptance of investing today for a digital and more sustainable tomorrow increases to 47% amongst those likely to vote, making it potentially a vote winner as the UK looks to drive our future-facing economy.“ 

Respondents also touched on other major concerns in the tech industry, including cybersecurity. 

More than half (55%) feel there is a need for robust legislation and higher investment in cybersecurity to protect national infrastructures and ensure private businesses meet tough standards. 

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To make this happen and to increase trust in governments, 31% wanted the private and public sectors to work together and hold each other accountable. 

“Gen Z is the first generation of true digital natives,” Dr. Filby said. 

“Despite an imbalance in access to digital skills through education, the research shows Gen Z see tech playing an important part in influencing what matters to them: access to healthcare and sustainable infrastructure. 

“The real take away from the research is Gen Z are actively identifying the areas they want to see change; with a clear vision of the role they play as individuals, in bringing about that change.”