NIIT Learning Systems Limited and St. Charles Consulting Group have released the 2026 Global Learning Transformation Benchmark Survey, highlighting gaps between organisational ambition and readiness as artificial intelligence reshapes workplace learning.

Announced on 13 February 2026 in New Delhi and Atlanta, the global survey examines the priorities and processes of senior leaders responsible for workforce development, including Chief Human Resources Officers and Chief Learning Officers. The study draws on responses from learning, talent and HR leaders across Global 500 industries, along with executive interviews.

The report, titled Rebuilding L&D for an AI-Driven World, assesses organisational maturity across five areas: skills and talent architecture, AI-enabled learning readiness, priority–execution alignment, learning–business credibility, and operating model evolution. It evaluates how organisations are modernising learning and development, deploying artificial intelligence and preparing for skills-based workforce strategies.

According to Andrea Lipton, Senior Director, Consulting and Advisory at NIIT MTS and lead researcher, organisations face pressure to accelerate learning transformation but risk failure without strong foundations. She said rapid progress without sustainable systems can increase risk rather than deliver advantage.

The findings show high alignment among leaders on strategic priorities but significant execution gaps, particularly in AI-enabled learning and skills-based strategies. Many organisations demonstrate uneven readiness, with advances in design and delivery outpacing governance, data integration and measurement systems.

The survey also found that while organisations are increasing measurement activity, learning outcomes often lack credibility in executive decision-making. It noted that artificial intelligence tends to amplify existing organisational strengths and weaknesses, scaling impact where systems are strong and exposing risk where they are not.

Jonathan Eighteen, Global Transformation Advisor at NIIT MTS, said organisations understand the direction of change but lack systems capable of supporting the pace of AI-driven transformation. He noted that as AI reshapes work, skills related to judgement and accountability are becoming more important.

Larry Durham, President of St. Charles Consulting Group, said the research shows that most organisations are not structurally prepared to implement learning transformation at scale. He said the gap lies in infrastructure, with executive teams making workforce and AI decisions without systems that connect skills, learning and performance.

The report concludes that organisations treating learning as enterprise infrastructure, supported by clear governance and shared standards, are better positioned to scale transformation and manage risk.

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