Budapest | Hong Kong | London | New York | Perth | Singapore
Apr 9, 2025
In response to the rising impact of artificial intelligence on global education, ASI Global has launched the LUMINAI Public Lecture Series, a revamped initiative that builds on the foundation of the long-standing Global Top Scientists Forum. Starting in 2025, the series brings together distinguished scholars, including Nobel laureates, global policymakers, and educational leaders to discuss the future of learning in an AI-driven world and education. The name “LUMINAI”, is a blend of “lumin” (light) and “AI”, symbolizing ASI Global’s ongoing commitment to illuminating the evolving landscape of education and highlighting the opportunities and challenges that AI presents.
On April 9, the LUMINAI Lecture featured an insightful online talk by Professor Jonathan Michie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and President of Kellogg College at the University of Oxford. In his talk, Making Lifelong Learning Central to University Strategy, Professor Michie underscored the imperative of repositioning lifelong learning to the core of university strategic planning in order to meet the evolving needs of individuals, societies, and economies in the age of intelligent transformation. His lecture was grounded in a global research initiative he leads, which surveys over 10,000 adult learners and 1,255 employers across more than 40 countries. The research provides valuable insights into motivations and expectations of learners, as well as the evolving needs of employers, offering a data-driven foundation for understanding how universities can better adapt their strategies to support lifelong learning.
Introduction to Professor Michie’s Research Project
Learner’s Perspective: What, How, and Why They Want to Learn
Professor Michie’s survey revealed a clear desire among adults of all ages and backgrounds to continue learning throughout life. However, today’s learners increasingly prefer short, flexible, and modular formats—such as part-time programs, certificates, and online or blended learning, over traditional university models.
Why Learners Choose Lifelong Learning
According to the research findings, learners are motivated not only by career advancement but also by personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and community engagement. Subjects in highest demand include business development, communication, leadership, and digital skills such as AI and cybersecurity. Many also expressed interest in broader fields like economics, history, and psychology.
Top Areas of Learning Interest in the Next Five Years
Professor Michie also mentioned that while many learners are willing to invest in further study, they also expect financial support from governments and employers, especially for job-related training.
Employer’s View: Skills, Change, and the Role of Universities
Surveyed Employers by Industry and Role
Turning to employers, Professor Michie argued that they echoed the need for continuous learning in response to digital transformation, citing productivity, innovation, and adaptability as top reasons for investing in workforce development.
Why Employers Invest in Learning
Although private learning providers are often favored for their speed, universities remain trusted for their academic credibility and subject expertise. However, many employers perceive universities as slow to adapt. Professor Michie stressed that to remain relevant, universities must become more responsive, flexible, and aligned with industry needs.
Crucially, both learners and employers showed a clear preference for non-degree, short-form programs, which offer flexibility without requiring long-term academic commitments.
Strategic Recommendations: What Universities Should Do Next
Based on the research findings, Professor Michie offered several key recommendations for universities seeking to place lifelong learning at the center of their institutional mission. First, universities must expand access to part-time, modular, and stackable programs that meet diverse learner needs. Second, universities must improve the clarity and accessibility of their communication, ensuring that learners are aware of the full range of programs available to them. Finally, universities must reaffirm their role not only in supporting economic growth, but also in promoting civic participation, equity, and lifelong contribution.
What Learners Expect Universities to Do
The Future of Learning: Flexible, Global, and Lifelong
In closing, Professor Michie outlined a vision for education that is flexible, globally accessible, and lifelong by design. He emphasized that learning should no longer be confined to a specific age group, degree, or classroom format. Instead, education must become an ongoing, inclusive process, supported by institutions committed to adaptability and social purpose. Universities that embrace this expanded role will not only sustain their relevance but also will become leaders in shaping the future of global education.
The Future of Learning
A full recording of Professor Michie’s lecture is available upon request. If you’re interested in accessing the video or learning more about the LUMINAI series, please feel free to contact us.