Emerging Occupations in China: A Survey of Enterprises and Practitioners

Abstract

The rise of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and virtual reality, has sparked interest in emerging occupations. This study categorizes and defines these evolving roles within the context of the new economy and scrutinizes their development in China and practitioners' job perceptions. Findings indicate: (i) The emerging occupation sectors are experiencing rapid growth, with digitalization identified as a pivotal factor propelling their development. (ii) A pronounced demand exists for social production and life service personnel, accompanied by noteworthy salary variations among emerging occupations in different cities. A salary premium is particularly evident for professional and technical personnel. (iii) Four pathways are identified for enhancing job satisfaction, and six pathways for shaping a positive assessment of job prospects. In contrast to job satisfaction, the pathways influencing practitioners' assessment of job prospects are more intricate, indicative of a lack of confidence among practitioners regarding their future career trajectories. Practitioners with a positive job prospect assessment tend to concentrate in economically developed regions.

Keywords: Emerging occupations, Digitization, Practitioner survey, fsQCA, China