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How Do HR, L&D and Talent Leaders Really Choose Learning Partners?

A comprehensive study by Nexed Insight and UNICON reveals the priorities, preferences, and decision-making patterns of talent leaders when selecting external learning partners, across all stages of the decision making process:

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Choosing the Right learning Partner
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Why this research matters

For Talent Leaders

✔️ Make more informed, confident partner choices

✔️ Understand what drives successful learning partnerships

✔️ Identify gaps in current provider offerings

✔️ Benchmark your selection criteria against peers

For Learning Providers

✔️ Gain clearer insight into client needs and perceptions

✔️ Identify opportunity spaces in the market

✔️ Understand competitive positioning

✔️ Improve client relationships and outcomes

For the Learning Sector

✔️ Build shared language between buyers and providers

✔️ Surface unmet needs and innovation signals

✔️ Support smarter choices and stronger partnerships

✔️ Drive greater impact across the industry

Based on insights from global talent leaders

200
Global learning and talent leaders surveyed
40%
of respondents held CHRO / HR Director and HRBP roles
99%
were directly involved in selecting/evaluating learning partners
6
Continents researched

Key Questions This Research Answers:

What qualities do talent leaders value most in learning partners?

Nearly 1 in 4 leaders (24%)ranked “alignment with business goalsˮ the #1 quality they prioritize when choosing a learning partner.

Which provider types are trusted for specific needs?

How do business schools differ from corporate universities, coaching and consulting firms, online learning providers and professional associations?

Where are the biggest gaps between buyer priorities and provider performance?

Tailored, relevant design, Human partnership (not just product), Cultural fluency and audience alignment, Facilitation + follow-up, Strategic understanding

Top 3 decision-making factors

1. Alignment with business goals, 2. Adaptability and flexibility, 3. Cost-effectiveness (full description and stats available in the paper)

Bonus Content: The AI Revolution in Executive Education

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how learning partnerships are formed and delivered. Our research reveals that talent leaders are increasingly seeking providers who can harness AI for personalization, scalability, and real-time impact measurement.

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