Tech Tools in 2012

As IDC reported in August, investment in learning technologies continues to be a priority compared to most other spending alternatives, but content development and learning strategy are returning to the top of CLOs’ investment priorities.

According to more recent research from IDC, most enterprises expect to continue their investment in learning management systems, assessment systems and performance management capabilities, but are also eager to try new delivery modalities such as simulations, mobile learning and collaboration and social tools. Technology remains an important component of the learning and development tool kit.

Every other month, IDC surveys Chief Learning Officer magazine’s Business Intelligence Board (BIB) on a variety of topics to gauge the issues, opportunities and attitudes that are important to senior learning executives. For the last several years, members of the BIB have been asked to provide insight into their investment choices. This month research digs deep into how companies are investing in learning and development technology and how spending priorities are changing.

Overall, learning and development investments are increasing after the notable declines in 2009. A large percentage of firms changed their spending between 2008 and 2010, decreasing and then recovering learning budgets in reaction to the global financial crisis. Very recently, increased economic uncertainty is again causing pressure for learning and development budgets.

Rise in 2011, Decline in 2012?

After two years of decline, more than half of CLOs reported their 2011 budgets are higher than in 2010. More enterprises indicated their learning budget increased in 2011 than in any year since 2005. Much of this increase is in reaction to changing priorities and opportunities.

As recently as May, the trend in learning budget changes looked even better for 2012; slightly more than 50 percent of CLOs expect their budgets to increase in 2012. However, July data suggests the economic uncertainty is returning.

As a result of recent economic turmoil, roughly 35 percent of CLOs report their budgets have been reduced since the beginning of 2011 and another 38 percent report no change in budget for 2011. The remaining 27 percent report their learning and development budgets have increased since the beginning of 2011. About 45 percent report the biggest challenge to their 2012 learning and development plans remains their budget.