2025 Annual trends: Global state of the skills economy

Historically, economic success relied heavily on physical assets like factories and infrastructure. However, as the global economy evolved, the source of economic value shifted as well. Intangible assets like skills, knowledge, and intellectual property now account for a larger share of economic value than physical assets in many developed economies.

Companies investing in these intangible assets, including human capital, tend to grow faster and outperform their peers. These “high growth” companies invest significantly more in developing their workforce, directly contributing to their competitive advantage and superior economic performance:

Organizations with strong learning cultures are 92% more likely to innovate, meet market demands, and stay ahead of competitors.
With adequate investment in skill development, employees become 2.5 times more equipped to adapt to changes at work.
Overall, companies prioritizing skill development see substantial benefits — on average, a 24% higher profit margin.

Download the Global State of the Skills Economy Report to gain actionable insights and prepare your organization for the future of work.

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