Linkedin Say Blockchain is Among Most In-Demand Skills of 2020

A recent overview published in the educational blog of the professional social network LinkedIn on January 1 suggests that blockchain will be one of the most in-demand hard skills that companies will need in 2020.

The skill is new to LinkedIn’s list, but it is on top of the ten skills outlined by the blog.

Blockchain outraces cloud computing and artificial intelligence

As LinkedIn Learning puts it, in 2020 blockchain-as-a-skill surpassed other leading skills such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and UX design, claiming the first position in the ranking.

A similar list of skills made by LinkedIn Learning back in 2019 does not mention blockchain technology at all. The most in-demand skill is cloud computing, artificial intelligence, analytical reasoning, people management and UX design follow.

Methodology: supply and demand

According to the blog, the 2020 Linkedin list included skills that ”are in high demand relative to their supply.” Demand was measured on the basis of skills listed in various LinkedIn profiles of people who were hired by large companies on the highest rates.

However, only 100,000 LinkedIn profiles were analyzed, the blog post states.

Hard skills comprise knowledge and abilities required for resolving specific issues. These are software development, accounting or patent law expertise. Soft skills, meanwhile, are interpersonal skills which enable employees to interact with each other.

LinkedIn recognizes blockchain potential

LinkedIn stated that blockchain has a huge potential in terms of digital assets management, providing secure, fast and cost-effective way to store, validate, authorize and move data across the globe.

It stressed that large corporations such as JPMorgan, IBM, Oracle and LinkedIn’s parent firm Microsoft are actively implementing blockchain solutions. The post advised global recruiters to take the technology into consideration:

“Blockchain has emerged from the once shadowy world of cryptocurrency to become a business solution in search of problems. Which means that you don’t have to be in financial services to be seeking new hires who have background and expertise in putting blockchain to use. So, recruiters should start becoming familiar with how blockchain works, what its perceived benefits are, and who are the people best suited to help your company explore where this budding technology might have a role.”

Earlier LinkedIn described the potential of distributed ledger technologies, such as blockchain. In 2019 a LinkedIn Asia Pacific Report also placed blockchain on top of the most in-demand skills of 2020.