AI heat in L&D levels off
Sentiment towards AI remains the strongest signal in L&D, but enthusiasm has stopped rising; Clear top group of priorities points to how the profession is redefining itself.
Enthusiasm for artificial intelligence as the hottest topic in learning and development appears to have levelled off after four consecutive years of growth, according to new data released today from the L&D Global Sentiment Survey.
The survey, now a long-running barometer of L&D priorities, captures the views of thousands of practitioners worldwide on what matters most in the year ahead and how practice is changing. AI continues to dominate the results, but the levelling off suggests it is no longer seen primarily as an emerging topic and, rather, more as an everyday tool.
That shift sits alongside a broader and more challenging picture for the profession. The results point to rising expectations of L&D, continued pressure to demonstrate value and an ongoing debate about its role inside organisations.
AI levels off at the top
AI remains the highest-rated topic in the survey, but its score has stabilised after four years of steady increases, suggesting enthusiasm for AI as a new idea has peaked and attention is turning to its everyday use in L&D workflows.
A clearer picture of L&D’s future direction
Alongside AI, this year’s survey shows the emergence of a clear top group of priorities around skills, personalisation and demonstrating value. Together, these topics form a distinct cluster that signals a shift away from L&D’s historic emphasis on delivering training content and towards capability, performance and impact. However, the data also highlights a growing tension between L&D’s focus on personalisation and its connection to organisational priorities.
Donald H Taylor runs the survey and joins Rob Clarke on Learning News to explore what the results may reveal about the state of learning and development in 2026.
Visit Donald H. Taylor's website for the GSS26 report
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