Digital Learning Realities 2024 part 1: L&D Priorities

Fosway Group, Europe’s #1 HR industry analyst, has revealed the headline insights from its annual Digital Learning Realities research, in association with Learning Technologies, the world’s leading workplace learning tech event. Now in its 10th year, the research explores how L&D teams rise to the challenge of a fast-changing business environment and tech landscape.

Crucial to L&D teams has always been the support of the C-Suite. But, the long-standing priorities of compliance, mandatory and regulatory training have now been supplanted in 2024 by the need to upskill and reskill the workforce. This represents a paradigm shift in strategic priorities for learning teams and the C-Suite, as well as a welcome opportunity for every employee, organisation-wide.

The infographics are part of a five-part series published weekly, and results can be found below.

L&D Priorities and Learning Strategy in the Modern Era

Upskilling and reskilling are the top strategic priority for learning

Compliance and regulatory training has long been the top driver of corporate learning, but in 2024 things have changed.

Upskilling and reskilling now leads learning strategic priorities. In much of Europe the continued pressure of an aging population and the challenges behind the availability of skilled talent is making skills a hot topic. This combined with the need to build new people capability in the face of unprecedented global and technological change has pushed upskilling and reskilling up from 3rd place last year to 1st place for L&D professionals’ priorities for the year ahead.

When I look back over the past 10 years of the survey, we have seen some steady shifts. But based on this year’s data – we seem to be on the verge of a true step change. AI is changing the game and it’s difficult not to see that learning will never be the same again. The question is, are you ready?

David Perring, Chief Insights Officer, Fosway Group
Last years research showed, crucial to L&D teams is the support of the C-Suite. Organisations where their executive team believes learning and people development are central to success are almost twice as likely to have seen their overall L&D budget grow in 2023. Even more importantly, an enthusiastic C-Suite is almost three times more likely to accelerate their investment in new digital learning projects.
Digital Learning Realities 2023 - Learning Platforms pie chart

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