{"id":28475,"date":"2026-06-01T13:39:02","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T12:39:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/?p=28475"},"modified":"2026-06-03T09:14:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T08:14:56","slug":"the-open-universitys-future-of-learning-report-sets-vision-for-learning-in-a-changing-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/around-ou\/university-news\/the-open-universitys-future-of-learning-report-sets-vision-for-learning-in-a-changing-world\/","title":{"rendered":"The Open University\u2019s Future of Learning report sets vision for learning in a changing world"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Open University (OU) today publishes \u2018The Future of Learning: Skills, Technology and Innovation in a Changing World\u2019<\/a>, a report setting out how education can positively respond to rapid technological change, the transition to a net-zero economy and evolving skills needs, while widening access and opportunity.<\/p>\n

The report shows how learning, work and participation in society are being reshaped by global forces, including artificial intelligence and sustainability imperatives. AI is predicted to affect up to 40 per cent of global employment, while also creating an estimated 2.6 million new roles, and as technology evolves, up to 39 per cent of existing skill sets are expected to change by 2030. At the same time, demand for green expertise is accelerating, with roles requiring environmental and sustainability competencies growing faster than the wider labour market.<\/p>\n

Central to the analysis is the case for lifelong learning as a foundation for resilience, inclusion and economic participation. With more than nine in ten jobs now requiring digital skills, and around half of employees expected to need reskilling due to technology adoption, the report argues that learning must be flexible, continuous and accessible at every stage of life. Education, it suggests, has a critical role not only in supporting employability, but in enabling wellbeing, confidence and meaningful participation in a rapidly changing world.<\/p>\n

The report explores these changes through research, data and practice across the sector, including activity already underway at The Open University. Examples highlighted in the report include:<\/p>\n