New Research: How AI Transforms $400 Billion Of Corporate Learning

A new study from the Josh Bersin Institute reveals that 74% of companies are failing to keep pace with the demand for new skills despite a $400 billion global investment in corporate training. The research suggests that traditional pedagogical models are becoming obsolete as organizations struggle with AI readiness and the need for dynamic information sharing. This shift indicates a significant transformation for the L&D sector, moving away from static content libraries toward AI-native systems that enable real-time application of ideas.

Josh Bersin's fifth major study of corporate learning and development highlights a critical disconnect in the industry, where $400 billion is spent annually on training, content libraries, and L&D technology. Despite this massive expenditure, nearly three-quarters of surveyed organizations report they cannot meet the internal demand for new skills. Bersin argues that the current pedagogical paradigm of training is holding businesses back, as it fails to address the modern requirement for dynamically sharing and applying information across the enterprise.

The research, which involved interviews with hundreds of senior leaders and vendors, identifies AI as the primary catalyst for reinventing organizational learning. Bersin notes that during recent meetings with over 200 CHROs in India and Singapore, AI readiness and fluency emerged as the top priority for leadership. The study posits that the industry is moving toward AI-native systems that generate and share content systemically, allowing for more agile upskilling and employee support than traditional methods.

To address these challenges, the Josh Bersin Institute is promoting a shift toward systemic HR models, exemplified by their own Galileo AI platform. These technologies are designed to move beyond static learning management to a model where information is explored and applied in real-time. This evolution is expected to redefine not only L&D but also broader HR service delivery and organizational change management as companies attempt to maximize the impact of AI in the age of the superworker.