Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

This report (26 page PDF) is based on a survey of 468 heads of learning and talent from 394 companies in Europe, the United 
States, the UK and the Middle East. The results are not surprising. The top priority continues to be leadership and executive development, as ever, and close on its heels is artificial intelligence. Also, "In last year's data, the phrase 'skills-based organisations' came up more than twice as often as in 2024.... That persistence reflects the 'skills based' approach becoming part of the 
mainstream as we head into 2026." This priority, and also the emphasis on 'learning culture', reflects the need to adapt to a rapidly changing skills landscape; for this reason as well it is difficult to link learning programs directly to return on investment (ROI). The conditions before and after learning are often completely different, and it's often a case of 'adapt or get left behind' for individuals and companies. The report is behind a spamwall, and you can give them your contact information if you're feeling nice, but this direct link should work as well.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Feb 17, 2026 2:16 p.m.

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