• AI Won’t Lift Human Productivity Without Learning, New Pearson Research Finds
DAVOS, Switzerland – Pearson on Jan. 19 released new research at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting finding that pairing artificial intelligence with employee skilling could add between $4.8 trillion and $6.6 trillion to the U.S. economy by 2034.
What is new?
The research from Pearson, a global learning company, was published in a report titled, “Mind the Learning Gap: The Missing Link in AI’s Productivity Promise.” It finds that the economic potential of AI will be realized only if employers combine technology investment with continuous employee learning. The report models that augmenting jobs with AI, rather than replacing workers, and ensuring employees have the necessary skills could add an amount equivalent to approximately 15% of current U.S. GDP.
The Productivity Paradox
Despite significant corporate investment in AI infrastructure, widespread enterprise-level productivity gains have not materialized outside of specific areas like coding. The report identifies a critical “learning gap” as the primary reason for this disconnect. It notes that the current return on AI investment often focuses on replacing workers, which creates uncertainty in the workplace. While individual employees may report time savings from using AI, a broader economic uplift has not yet occurred.
A New Framework for Learning
“Every positive scenario for this AI-enabled future is built on human development,” said Pearson CEO Omar Abbosh. “The biggest obstacle to AI adoption is the lack of human skills to work alongside these technologies.” To address this, the report proposes a four-step “DEEP Learning Framework” for business leaders: Diagnose and define a task-level augmentation plan; Embed learning into the flow of work; Evaluate skills progress; and Prioritize learning as a strategic investment. The report emphasizes that employers risk missing productivity gains if they focus only on technology deployment and neglect the human side of AI adoption.
About this company
Pearson is a lifelong learning company serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. With approximately 18,000 employees, the company’s stated purpose is to help people realize their goals through learning. It aims to create vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact.
Read more
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