Preview: The Learning Economy

15 : 08 : 2016 Education : Training : Learning

Global – LS:N Global’s latest macrotrend deals with why and how the separation between industry and education is breaking down.

  • 'The last big innovations in education were the printing press and the textbook,' says Anant Agarwal, CEO of online learning platform edX.
  • Nearly three-quarters (73%) of American adults consider themselves life-long learners
Art Gym at The Tate, Liverpool
Tekla technology festival, Sweden
Series 3 exhibition by Louis Vuitton, London

Young people don’t want to be at school any more. Why would they? They can learn as much online as they can in the classroom. Many are better versed in the trends shaping tomorrow’s world than those at the head of the class.

The idea that education ends on graduation day is also outdated. The three-stage model of education, work and retirement is simply not how many people live today. At the same time, educators are calling for pedagogy between brands and schools to help them address a widening skills gap.

Some of the key topics covered include: Brand Educators, who are spotting the skills they need and training potential future employees; Machine Managers, who are moving beyond a critical mindset towards artificial intelligence; and Body Hacking, the methods pushing humans further in the pursuit of knowledge.

The Big Picture

Traditional educational institutions have failed to keep up with consumers and brands are now stepping in as partners in this continuing process of self-improvement. Read The Learning Economy to find out more.

Discover More Daily Signals
The Future Laboratory unpacks Gen Z: Global Youth Atlas report at Breakfast Briefing

Daily Signals

The Future Laboratory unpacks Gen Z: Global Youth Atlas report at Breakfast Briefing

The Future Laboratory hosted its quarterly members-only Breakfast Briefing at London social club The Roof Gardens on 26 March 2026.
Global Events : Gen Z Global Youth Atlas : Gen Z
Foresight Friday: Seyi Oduwole, foresight analyst

Daily Signals

Foresight Friday: Seyi Oduwole, foresight analyst

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, foresight analyst Seyi Od...
Gen Z : Drinking Habits : Hyrox
Stat: Reddit emerges as retail’s hidden conversion engine

Daily Signals

Stat: Reddit emerges as retail’s hidden conversion engine

Reddit is emerging as a critical yet under-recognised force in the retail media mix, according to Fospha’s State of Retail Commerce 2026 report.
Reddit : Retail : Statistic
Sprite refreshes brand identity through sound

Daily Signals

Sprite refreshes brand identity through sound

Carbonated soft drink Sprite has launched It’s That Fresh, a new global platform rolling out across 180 markets that unites refreshed visual and so...
Drink : Branding : Sound
How Freaks of Nature is turning electrolytes into ingestible skincare

Daily Signals

How Freaks of Nature is turning electrolytes into ingestible skincare

Clean performance brand Freaks of Nature is expanding the boundaries of hydration with the launch of Skin Support Electrolyte, a 0g sugar daily pow...
Health And Wellness : Skincare : Beauty
Stat: APAC wage growth outpaces that in Europe

Daily Signals

Stat: APAC wage growth outpaces that in Europe

Wage growth is diverging globally, with Asia-Pacific emerging as the clear frontrunner.
APAC : Economy : Statistic
British Airways turns safety briefing into cultural escape

Daily Signals

British Airways turns safety briefing into cultural escape

British Airways is reframing the role of travel with a new campaign that positions flying as a psychological reset.
Travel And Hospitality : Marketing : Souljourns
Polymarket’s Situation Room brings fintech into the social sphere

Daily Signals

Polymarket’s Situation Room brings fintech into the social sphere

Crypto prediction platform Polymarket is merging finance and spectacle offline with a Washington DC pop-up bar, underlining the growing convergence...
Polymarket : Prediction Market : Cultural Capital
Stat: Retailers rethink loyalty as consumers shop smarter

Daily Signals

Stat: Retailers rethink loyalty as consumers shop smarter

Retailers are rethinking loyalty as competition intensifies and AI reshapes how consumers shop.
Retail : Loyalty : Statistic
Channel 4 captures the raw energy of women’s football in new campaign

Daily Signals

Channel 4 captures the raw energy of women’s football in new campaign

Channel 4 has launched Pure Football, a mixed media campaign celebrating its coverage of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, placing authenticity and fan cul...
Marketing : Channel 4 : Womens Sport
You have 1 free Daily Signals remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN