A new global report warns that traditional academic qualifications alone may no longer prepare young people for the workforce.
The solution, it says, lies in teaching skills that machines cannot easily replicate.
The 2026 HP Futures report recommends that governments overhaul school curricula to prioritise creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
It was developed by HP in collaboration with the Global Learning Council and the Education Leaders Forum, drawing on contributions from 58 education experts worldwide.
The report urges governments to integrate these four competencies into formal education rather than treating them as extracurricular activities.
Schools should incorporate them into timetables, fund their development and assess them alongside traditional subjects.
The Technology Gap
The report also warns that unequal access to technology could widen educational inequalities.
It calls for inclusive programmes that cater to public schools and low-resource communities, suggesting measures like teacher-guided AI, low-bandwidth learning platforms and affordable technology.
While advocating for curriculum reform, the report maintains that literacy and numeracy must remain fundamental.
It also calls for practical, hands-on teaching that equips students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
Standardised assessment and internationally recognised credentials are also recommended to help universities and employers evaluate students’ competencies across countries.
Leadership Voices
David McQuarrie, HP’s Chief Commercial Officer and Chair of HP Futures, said educators, policymakers and employers must work together.
“As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms how we learn and work, that responsibility has never been more important,” he said.
Mayank Dhingra, HP’s Director and Global Head of Education Business and Strategy, called for education models that formally recognise durable skills and provide internationally transferable credentials.
He warned that disparities in access to AI could reinforce existing inequalities.
The report was informed by an online survey of 6,206 students across 37 countries, conducted between May and June 2026.
About 88% of respondents who disclosed their ages were between 12 and 17.
The findings also incorporated interviews with 58 experts, roundtable discussions and case studies involving schools, universities and employers.
