- European leaders expect 27% jobs growth in 2026 and 17% growth in 2027
- WEF predicts 78m net new jobs by the end of the decade
- Security and privacy are still holding some adopters back
New data from the Linux Foundation has surfaced information that directly challenges the long-time concern that AI could replace human workers – per the new data, European employers state they actually expect AI adoption to increase tech hiring.
And this isn't just a short-term burst – they expect 27% growth in 2026 and a further 17% growth in 2027 as human jobs continue to be in demand.
Instead, the Linux Foundation's research is the latest in a growing number of reports to predict job displacement by means of simultaneous job creation and job loss – instead of an outright net loss.
Linux Foundation data reveals AI isn't taking jobs after all
This aligns with separate WEF research from 2025, which predicted that 78m net new jobs could be created by 2030, stemming from 92m displacements but 170m brand new roles created.
However, while we look to be on track for more job opportunities, business leaders are still worried about the same old things. Half (51%) of European organizations cite security as a major obstacle for widespread adoption, and 44% also worry about privacy concerns.
As a result, the Linux Foundation argues that the challenge is no longer whether companies want AI, but rather whether they can deploy it security enough. With a greater emphasis and more investment in security and data privacy, it implies that continued job growth could occur beyond the 2026 and 2027 projections above.
This comes amid a major AI skills shortage across the continent, with organizations reporting shortages across AI and ML expertise, cloud computing capabilities, cybersecurity understanding and data engineering skills.
Looking ahead, the biggest takeaway from the report is that companies should invest in internal training programs to prepare and support future workforces. Those who are already doing this reveal it's faster and cheaper than recruiting externally.
"There can be no digital sovereignty without local tech talent," Linux Foundation Europe GM Thierry Carrez concluded.
