ATD Research Report topics
| February 2026 |
E-Learning
In this study we will focus on the skills needed for effective e-learning design, identify training topics that work well for an e-learning format, and how organizations are delivering a personalized experience through e-learning. This report will include a brief section on how organizations are using (and planning to use) AI in e-learning. |
| February 2026 |
Communicating the Value of TD to Senior Leaders
In this report we will focus on how TD departments communicate the value of what they do. This report will also feature a section where we hear from senior leaders and executives and what they want to know about talent development. |
| March 2026 |
Developing a Culture of Learning that Drives Business Results
In this two-part study, we will survey TD professionals to understand their role in developing a culture of learning and we will survey working Americans to understand what their expectations are for a culture of learning. |
| April 2026 |
Leadership Development at All Levels (SOLD)
This report will explore the benefits, but also the challenges of providing leadership development for all. We’ll also find out how organizations use AI in their leadership development programs. |
| May 2026 |
State of the Industry (includes 2 co-sponsorships)
This annual report provides organizations with talent development trends, spending, and activity benchmarks. With an emphasis on industry and company size differences, this robust, data-driven report will give talent development professionals a better understanding of where the field is currently and forecast 2025 organizational priorities. |
| August 2026 |
Employer-Sponsored Professional Development
In this two-part study, we will survey TD professionals to understand what professional development opportunities are supported by organizations, budgets, and the impact of providing professional development to employees. In the second part of the study, we will survey working Americans to understand their professional development expectations. |
| October 2026 |
Skills Gaps in the Age of AI
This study will consist of three parts.We will survey TD professionals to learn how they are bridging the skills gap, we will survey working Americans to find out what skills they need to work on, and we will interview organizations to create case studies to highlight how organizations have been successful at bridging the skills gap. This report will include a brief section on how organizations are using AI to bridge skills gaps. |
| December 2026 |
How Enablement Drives Sales Results
In this report we will focus on how TD professionals are using continuous learning to help sales people meet their goals and also stay engaged with the company. |
| December 2026 |
AI Review
From the 2026 reports, skills gaps, coaching, facilitating learning, e-learning, data driven decision making, and sales enablement all have sections about AI. This report will be an AI bundle – that will include all the AI data from 2026. |