AI Won't Lift Human Productivity Without Learning, New Pearson Research Finds
MWN-AI** Summary
New research from Pearson, unveiled at the World Economic Forum, indicates that artificial intelligence (AI) will not enhance human productivity unless it's paired with robust learning initiatives. The report, titled "Mind the Learning Gap: The Missing Link in AI's Productivity Promise," suggests that by integrating AI into the workplace while simultaneously ensuring that employees acquire necessary skills, the U.S. economy could gain up to $6.6 trillion by 2034—approximately 15% of its current GDP.
Despite substantial investment in AI technologies, companies are witnessing minimal productivity improvements outside of specific sectors like coding, primarily because many AI implementations focus on replacing workers rather than enhancing their capabilities. This trend has led to increased workplace anxiety, as employees worry about job security while the overarching benefits of AI remain unclear.
Pearson CEO Omar Abbosh emphasizes that the most significant hurdle in AI adoption is the lack of worker skills to use these technologies effectively. To address this shortfall, the report introduces the DEEP Learning Framework—an actionable strategy for businesses comprising four steps: Diagnose task augmentation needs, Embed continuous learning within existing workflows, Evaluate skill progress regularly, and Prioritize learning as a strategic investment.
The urgency to close the learning gap is critical, with projections suggesting that 59% of the global workforce requires reskilling by 2030. Failure to address this could inhibit productivity gains and lead to broader economic repercussions. The report highlights the necessity of redefining how companies approach the integration of technology and employee training to fully capitalize on the potential benefits of AI.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Recent research by Pearson highlights a critical insight: the potential economic benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) will be significantly curtailed unless businesses invest concurrently in employee skilling. The report estimates that AI, combined with a robust learning strategy, could inject an astonishing $6.6 trillion into the U.S. economy by 2034, equating to about 15% of current GDP. However, the challenge lies in bridging the "learning gap," which is hindering widespread productivity gains from AI technology.
As businesses accelerate their AI adoption, often aimed at replacing human roles, it is paramount to shift the approach from one of displacement to augmentation. Companies stand to gain far more by equipping their workforce with the necessary skills to optimize AI tools, fostering an environment where employees can collaborate with technology rather than fear it. The benefits of such an approach include enhanced job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and ultimately, increased ROI from technology investments.
Investors and stakeholders should prioritize companies demonstrating a commitment to skilling alongside their technological advancements. Those adhering to the DEEP Learning Framework proposed by Pearson—Diagnosing tasks, Embedding learning, Evaluating skills, and Prioritizing learning—will likely emerge as market leaders.
Conversely, businesses that overlook employee development could face challenges such as stagnated productivity and a discontented workforce, which would negatively impact overall financial performance.
In conclusion, for investors, the message is clear: support organizations that understand the dual necessity of AI and human talent. The fusion of technology investment with a commitment to continuous learning will not only prepare companies for future demands but also ensure sustainable economic growth. As the workforce evolves, those who adapt through skilling will be positioned for success in the AI-driven landscape of tomorrow.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
Pairing AI with skilling could add up to $6.6T to the U.S. economy by 2034 and deliver the return on investment businesses want
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New research from Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, reveals that the true economic potential of AI will only be realized if employers pair technology investment with continuous learning. The report, "Mind the Learning Gap: The Missing Link in AI's Productivity Promise", released today at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting, finds that augmenting jobs with AI - rather than simply replacing workers – and ensuring employees have the skills needed to work effectively with AI could add between $4.8 trillion and $6.6 trillion to the US economy by 2034. This represents around 15% of current US GDP at the lower range.
The Productivity Paradox: Why AI Alone Isn't Enough
Companies are investing billions worldwide on AI infrastructure and models, yet there are few positive examples of enterprise-level productivity gains, outside of coding, that truly help workers and drive ROI. The return on AI investment for companies today is often targeted at replacing workers, driving further uncertainty and worry in workplaces. While many employees report "time saved" through AI, the broader economic uplift remains elusive. Pearson's research reveals that a critical "learning gap" is the missing link preventing both employers and their workers from fully leveraging AI's potential.
"AI will drive profound long-term change to business and industry. But leaders are under pressure to rapidly adopt AI and demonstrate a return on that investment, all while bringing worried employees along with this seismic shift. Every positive scenario for this AI-enabled future is built on human development," said Pearson CEO Omar Abbosh. "As a learning company, we see that the biggest obstacle to AI adoption is the lack of human skills to work alongside these technologies. Addressing that will support workers, boost their confidence with new technology, and drive the ROI outcomes that businesses want."
The "How To": Pearson's New Roadmap for Learning in the Age of AI
Based on its longstanding expertise in learning science, Pearson's report proposes a new approach to workplace learning, one that flips that traditional model of "deploy tech, then have people adapt to the system." The report notes that the most powerful productivity gains come when technology deployment and skill building happen together and provides the C-suite with four actionable steps to do that, called the DEEP Learning Framework:
- Diagnose and define a task-level augmentation plan;
- Embed learning seamlessly into the flow of work;
- Evaluate and measure skills progress toward an AI-augmented workforce; and
- Prioritize learning as a core strategic investment.
The report emphasises that employers risk missing the productivity prize if they focus solely on technology deployment while neglecting the human side of AI adoption. AI has reached more than one billion users in just three years, yet learning is not keeping pace. That's driving a growing emotional and economic toll as workers risk losing jobs and their competitive edge. According to the World Economic Forum, 59% of the global workforce will need reskilling by 2030, underscoring the urgency of solving the learning gap through implementing new models.
The full report and its findings are based on a quantitative analysis that combines Pearson's Faethm data with a comprehensive academic and industry literature review and expert interviews, allowing us to model both the economic impact of AI?augmented work and the organizational practices needed to close the learning gap.
Read Pearson's new report in full: https://pearson.com/ai-learning-gap
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About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at plc.pearson.com.
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FAQ**
How does Pearson Plc PSO propose to close the "learning gap" to ensure that AI investments translate to productivity gains in the workplace?
What specific actions does Pearson Plc PSO recommend within the DEEP Learning Framework to integrate skill development with AI technology deployment?
In what ways can employers measure the impact of continuous learning on their return on investment in AI, according to Pearson Plc PSO's findings?
How does Pearson Plc PSO estimate the potential economic contribution of AI combined with skilling initiatives to the U.S. economy by 2034?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Pearson Plc (NYSE: PSO).
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