The HR Research Institute has announced the formation of the 2026 Future of Learning Technology and Upskilling Advisory Board, comprising industry leaders, learning and development specialists, and technology experts. This board will lead a research initiative and virtual event focused on workplace learning as organizations increasingly prioritize employee development and measurable outcomes.
The advisory board will guide HR leaders on effectively utilizing learning technologies, measuring the impact of upskilling initiatives, and addressing gaps that hinder learning success. The initiative will explore emerging trends including AI-driven personalized learning, workforce skill tracking, and digital learning strategies. The research and events aim to provide HR and L&D professionals with actionable tools and frameworks to enhance organizational performance.
The board features distinguished experts from various organizations including Christopher Allen of Allen Interactions, David Creelman of Creelman Research, JD Dillon of Axonify, Sheila Jagannathan of The World Bank, and Heidi Schisel of Genentech. Other members include learning strategists, talent development consultants, and research scientists from companies like Intrepid, Anywhere Real Estate, Wellpath, HUB International, TEKsystems, NovoEd, Bristol Farms, and SAP SuccessFactors.
"This advisory board will help the HR industry stay ahead of the curve," said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. "By sharing guidance for upcoming research and events, these thought leaders will equip HR professionals to boost employee skills, engagement, and organizational performance."
The HR Research Institute releases annual "State of the Industry" reports across various HR topics, including last year's research report available at https://hr.com/researchinstitute. The institute identifies key trends and best practices to assist over 2 million HR professionals in making strategic decisions through informed research findings.
The 2026 Future of Learning Technology and Upskilling Virtual Event is scheduled for July 7, 2026. The advisory board's work builds upon previous research such as HR.com's Future of Learning Technologies 2025 report, continuing the institute's mission to provide HR professionals with resources to address evolving workplace learning challenges and opportunities.
