Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will host the 5th International Conference on AI in Work, Innovation, Productivity and Skills from 30 March to 1 April 2026. The event will feature 10 live sessions with experts from policy, business, academia, and civil society, exploring how AI affects employment, skills, productivity, and innovation, as well as ways for policymakers to respond.
According to the OECD, participation in adult training is lowest among those who need it most. Barriers include lack of awareness, motivation, time constraints from work and family obligations, and training costs. The participation gap between highly educated workers and those without upper secondary education is 35 percentage points, with similar gaps between high- and low-skilled occupations. These disparities also appear in earnings levels and age groups, with gaps of around 25 percentage points. Addressing these differences is critical to increase overall training participation and prepare vulnerable workers for the future of work.
The OECD also notes widespread skill mismatch in the labor market. On average, 22% of adults are over-qualified for their jobs, while 10% are under-qualified. These mismatches can negatively impact wages, job satisfaction, and productivity. The OECD emphasizes that reducing mismatch requires stronger collaboration between educational institutions, training providers, and labor market participants.
As work evolves due to digitalization and AI, adult literacy is increasingly important. Those with low foundational literacy skills face challenges in adapting to new opportunities and changes. The OECD advocates for adult learning programs focused on foundational skills and proactive outreach to under-skilled populations.
The 2026 conference will also address how AI can support diverse learners, including neurodivergent individuals, and consider issues like agentic AI and governance of algorithmic management. The aim is to examine AI's impact on productivity, competition, innovation, and equitable skill development.