Challenges and solutions of a digital learning infrastructure to manage skill gaps

The workplace is constantly changing; disruptors such as artificial intelligence and machine learning demand adaptability and growth from employees. Employers are facing problems associated with missing qualified employees and therefore increasing skill gaps in the workplace. One way for companies to respond to this emerging problem is to upskill their existing workforce. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, companies’ demand for digital learning solutions has increased. Therefore, investments in technological solutions for learning providers have also increased. A digital solution enables more flexibility and the ability to detect skill gaps using technology. This white paper aims to provide an analysis of qualitative research to detect challenges and solutions large companies face when building a digital learning infrastructure. Learning experts from different countries, working in large companies or for learning providers, offer their expertise. Therefore, the question, “how are companies building a digital learning infrastructure to manage employee skill gaps?” is elaborated. The requirements to build a digital learning infrastructure are visualized using a framework and focus on technology, data, skills, and taxonomy. Challenges in building a digital learning infrastructure are multiple disconnected platforms, a lack of data quality, and a missing master taxonomy. Companies are launching skills projects to address these challenges. Nevertheless, technological possibilities such as artificial intelligence are viewed with skepticism and no ideal digital learning infrastructure solution exists yet.