**The big picture:** Skillsoft, a prominent educational technology company, operates 69 offices across more than 10 countries, employing approximately 2,200 individuals globally. Its headquarters remain in Nashua, New Hampshire, United States. **Why it matters:** This extensive global presence highlights the distributed nature of modern learning and development providers, impacting talent acquisition strategies and international HR compliance for companies utilizing or competing with such platforms. **Between the lines:** - Skillsoft was founded in 1998 and is publicly traded on the NYSE (SKIL). - The company specializes in learning management system software and content. - Key competitors include 2U, Udemy, and Cornerstone OnDemand. **Staffing & HR impact:** Staffing firms supporting ed-tech companies must navigate complex international labor laws and diverse talent pools. HR leaders should consider the implications of a globally distributed workforce for remote work policies and cross-border talent development. **The bottom line:** Skillsoft's broad operational reach underscores the ongoing globalization of corporate learning and the associated complexities for workforce management.

**The big picture:** New research from 2U reveals that 83% of employers prioritize AI skills, yet only 29% possess mature AI capabilities, highlighting a significant disconnect in workforce readiness. **Why it matters:** This gap indicates a critical challenge for businesses aiming to leverage AI, impacting productivity, innovation, and the strategic deployment of human capital. **Between the lines:** - Nearly four in five employers (78%) lack a strong mandate for AI upskilling. - The research, "The State of Enterprise Learning 2026," underscores the urgency for structured AI talent development. - Partnerships like Simplilearn/Columbia Engineering and Arden University/Google Cloud are emerging to address this skills deficit. **Staffing & HR impact:** Staffing firms face increased demand for AI-proficient talent, while HR departments must rapidly develop robust upskilling programs to bridge internal skill gaps and maintain compliance with evolving tech roles. **The bottom line:** The race for AI competency is on, and organizations must invest in talent development or risk falling behind.