IBM and Pearson have announced a global partnership to develop AI-powered learning tools aimed at businesses, public organizations, and educational institutions. The collaboration seeks to address the challenges of career transitions and skills mismatches, which recent research from Pearson estimates could cost the US economy $1.1 trillion in lost earnings each year.
The new learning products will utilize IBM’s watsonx Orchestrate and watsonx Governance technologies. IBM will also support Pearson in building a custom AI-driven learning platform that integrates human expertise with AI assistants and agents. This platform is designed to enhance Pearson’s operations by improving workflows, productivity, and data-driven decision-making.
As part of the agreement, IBM will designate Pearson as its primary strategic partner for customer upskilling and workforce transformation. IBM’s 270,000 employees and customers will gain access to Pearson’s enterprise learning solutions such as Credly for digital credentialing, Faethm for workforce planning, and Pearson Professional Assessments, which administers IBM professional certification exams worldwide.
Both companies plan to develop tools that verify the capabilities of AI agents before deployment in organizations. This effort combines IBM’s experience in building reliable AI systems with Pearson’s background in skills development and credentialing.
Omar Abbosh, CEO of Pearson, said: “Technology is evolving faster than human skills can keep pace. To close this gap, learning must be embedded seamlessly into the flow of work. When people learn where work happens, it has an immediate impact on productivity and performance. Together with IBM, we’re building trusted AI-powered learning tools that will help people and organizations adapt, learn, and thrive in a world of constant change.”
Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM added: “Whether you’re leading a company or just graduating, everyone needs to build new skills for the AI era. IBM and Pearson are bringing AI-powered education to more organizations to help people learn faster. Together, we’re helping companies and their teams adapt to change and succeed, while helping Pearson transform its own internal operations.”
Pearson states that this partnership supports its strategy to form close relationships with select partners for improved customer outcomes and shared growth opportunities.
Statements regarding future directions from both companies are subject to change or withdrawal without notice.
