How Learning Teams Should Approach The Next 12 Months

"In the last two years, AI moved from "interesting experiment" to something your organization quietly depends on. McKinsey's 2025 State of AI survey found that about 4 in 5 organizations now use AI in at least 1 business function, and over 70% regularly use generative AI in their work. Yet fewer than one-third follow most scaling best practices, and fewer than one in five track clear KPIs for generative AI solutions."

"Inside learning teams, the story is similar. A recent ATD/Clarity study reports that 80% of Instructional Designers already use AI tools, and nearly 2/3rds only started doing so in the past year. Clarity Consultants, a training consultancy, says AI has arrived faster than the governance, workflows, and skills needed to use it effectively. So for the next 12 months, I don't think the question is "What's the next big AI trend?""

"Set A Clear AI Ambition For Learning, Not Just "Experiments" Most organizations are experimenting with AI, but few are clear on what "good" looks like. McKinsey's research shows that 88% of respondents say their organizations use AI, yet only about 39% report any EBIT impact from those efforts. Many are stuck in pilot mode: enthusiastic trials without a clear destination."

AI adoption has moved from experiments to operational dependence, with about 4 in 5 organizations using AI and over 70% regularly using generative AI. Fewer than one-third follow scaling best practices, and fewer than one in five track clear KPIs for generative AI. Within learning teams, 80% of Instructional Designers use AI, many only starting in the past year, while governance, workflows, and skills lag adoption. Organizations risk remaining in pilot mode without a clear ambition. Learning leaders should define AI goals—efficiency, reach, quality, or a combination—and link AI to growth, governance, measurable KPIs, and team capabilities to create sustained learner and business value.

Read at eLearning Industry