Sharon Hague, CEO, Pearson UK, said:

“The government’s £2.5 billion investment in AI and quantum technologies is a clear statement of intent on growth and global tech leadership. With the UK aiming for the fastest adoption of AI in the G7, advanced technology is rightly positioned as a driver of productivity and competitiveness.

“But technology alone will not deliver higher productivity or growth. The real economic returns come when investment in technology is matched by investment in the skills that enable people to develop these technologies and apply them effectively at scale.

“AI and quantum capabilities have the potential to transform industries and create new high‑value opportunities across the economy. But those benefits depend on people having the skills and confidence to use new tools in practice.

“This matters for the wider economy. Productivity growth has been weak for years, holding back wages, competitiveness, and living standards. Research shows that technology delivers productivity gains only when it is paired with learning and workforce development.

“To maximise the return on technology investment, skills policy must move with equal urgency, aligning education with labour market demand, supporting upskilling at scale, and embedding a culture of continuous learning. Skills are what turn technological ambition into sustainable economic growth.”