In February 2026, at the World of Learning Summit in London, we surveyed HR and Training Managers to understand what their top priorities are as regards their LMS capabilities.

The top 5 results, in order of importance, were:

1. Individualised training paths
2. Integrated performance management
3. Competitive pricing
4. Compliance training management
5. Use of AI

At first glance, the findings felt predictable. On closer consideration, they reveal a more nuanced picture of where L&D is heading.

The fact that individualised training paths came out on top was no surprise. Individualised training solutions driven by modern technology have long been considered the number one goal. It’s what L&D teams want and staff need – the promise of delivering the right learning, to the right person, at the right time, in the right format. And yet, despite years of technological advancement, it remains a challenge to execute at scale. That it still tops the list tells us that personalisation is still not a fully solved problem.

What was more surprising to us was that Use of AI only ranked fifth.

In a landscape dominated by conversations about artificial intelligence, you might expect it to sit much higher. After all, the number one priority – Individualised training paths – should be easier to achieve with AI. We can create any kind of training content, on any subject, in seconds, and deliver via multiple channels in multiple formats.

So why the disconnect? Partly, it may be a matter of maturity. While awareness of AI is high, confidence in its practical application remains uneven.

Additionally, a recurring theme at this year’s summit was the enduring importance of human connection. Training and development are about people. Technology can enable, accelerate, and enhance learning but it cannot replace the need for human judgement, coaching, and interaction. The unexpectedly low ranking of Use of AI suggests that, for many organisations, AI is an emerging tool, but people still sit at the heart of L&D strategy.

Competitive pricing at number three and Compliance training management in fourth place, came as no surprise. In a cost-conscious environment, you would expect L&D departments to prioritise price. Equally, compliance training is still a non-negotiable for L&D departments across many industries. The inclusion of these two priorities in the top 5 tells us that innovation is important, but not at the expense of affordability or accountability.

Perhaps the most unexpected result was the number two ranking for Integrated performance management. Given how many organisations still rely on fragmented systems, or even paper-based appraisal processes, could its prominence suggest a shift in mindset?

Obviously, connecting learning with performance management makes sense, organisations can:

• Automatically align training with identified skills gaps
• Measure the real impact of learning on performance
• Reduce admin hours and duplication by combining systems

Additionally, we are operating in an environment saturated with technology, information, and constant digital noise. The result is cognitive overload, rising burnout, and a growing desire to simplify. More and more, we are hearing about the streamlining of training and development systems, a holistic approach to performance, the evolution of talent ecosystems. HR departments are looking to create more efficient and effective processes and integration of complementing systems delivers this.

In summary therefore, what we learnt from our survey and conversations about the current L&D landscape was that:

• Personalisation remains the ultimate goal but is still elusive
• AI is everywhere but trust and application are still catching up
• Human connection continues to anchor everything
• Budgets are tight and value is under scrutiny
• Integration is rising fast driven by a need to reduce complexity

So, what do L&D leaders really want from their LMS in 2026?

The answer? They don’t necessarily want to chase the next big thing. Rather, they want to make the right things work, together, for every individual.