Evolving digital skill demands before and after generative AI: a global network analysis via upwork data

A human resource gap has emerged due to the rapid advancement of technology. Companies are attempting to address this issue by either developing their own resources (such as staff training or new recruitment) or utilizing external resources. Consequently, freelance professionals are increasingly being used to support different phases of projects in hourly or project-based work opportunities. Consequently, job postings from various regions around the world are connecting with freelancers globally. How should individuals, who constitute the foundation of the digital economy, respond to the evolving needs of companies in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas? How should educational institutions train the human resources required by this sector? This study aims to generate a skills-based network in the digital labor market to guide both employers and employees in their career choices. Specifically, the study aims to identify changes in skill demand between 2022 and 2025. Furthermore, the study focuses on determining the position of Generative AI (GenAI) within the digital skill demand network, given its widespread adoption in 2023. The findings show that the number of common skills across continents dropped from 328 in 2022 to 181 in 2025, and that GenAI is most prominently connected to visual communication and web development clusters, with distinct continental patterns. The study also aims to computationally interpret GenAI tool usage patterns both globally and across different continents. By doing so, the study will offer valuable insights to career planners, educators and employers, helping them to make strategic decisions.