Large enterprise learning faces pivot moment

Published in February 2026, the Fosway 9-Grid™ for Learning Systems looks at the learning management solutions market for EMEA’s learning leaders – here, Fosway analysts discuss the latest changes in the large enterprise learning space.

Large enterprise learning is the new burning platform. Cornerstone’s decision to sunset some of its acquired products has left some of their customers feeling abandoned, prompting urgent questions about where to turn next. Many will happily transition to Cornerstone’s Galaxy platform, but not all and some churn is inevitable.

This situation has created fresh opportunities for other vendors to accelerate their push into the large enterprise segment. The HCM vendors also continue to enhance their learning modules and make acquisitions to add a more innovative edge. Competition in large enterprise is intensifying.

Market shaped by political and economic uncertainty

Whilst the overall learning systems market is still growing, it continues to be negatively impacted by economic challenges in Europe and global politics. Many vendors continue to focus on efficiencies, realigning headcount and seeking profit, whilst still investing in product innovation, especially in AI. Buyers remain measured in their decision-making.

Although inflationary pressures have eased in most regions, cost control and demonstrable business impact are still a priority. Learning tech investors prioritise profitability and sustainable growth over high-burn expansion, although M&A activity has increased again in recent months. The European market remains competitive, particularly in mid-enterprise. Northern Europe shows stronger demand compared to other regions. The UK is still a key market for most but is seen as saturated.

Smaller buyers drive growth, but for how long?

In 2025, we reported the fastest growth had come from smaller and mid-market organisations. For these buyers, simplicity, speed of deployment and time to value are critical. Despite noise to the contrary, the case for a structured learning system remains strong and compliance is still a key driver, especially where formal tracking, certification and auditability are required.

There are some threats though. The growth in skills as a focus has forced most mid-tier HR systems to take learning more seriously, and whilst learning is still generally not a strength, that is changing. There is also an AI factor in play too. As AI coaches and assistants become more embedded in wider business platforms, the case for a dedicated learning platform may also come under pressure where learning is largely informal or skills-based rather than regulated.

This is an excerpt from the 2026 Fosway 9-Grid™ for Learning Systems. Get the full insight and discover all the latest market and solution trends by reading the whole report here.

What should you do next?

• Phase Two of the AI project is in progress – alongside Fosway’s publicly available suite of AI research papers come a range of private assets for this AI project’s participants, with a level of detailed analysis and insight you will not find anywhere else. Contact us to join Fosway’s strategic AI project for 2026: ‘AI in Learning’.

Other recommended reading

• Build your AI strategy with evidence, not guesswork. Fosway AI Strategic Research Programme
• Digital Learning Realities 2025 – what’s the real experience of EMEA’s learning leaders?

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