Knowledge Needs Survey 2026: What knowledge will tomorrow’s professionals need?

PAOTM continuously works on a course program that aligns with today’s technical challenges. That starts with truly understanding what is happening in practice. The world of engineering is changing at a high speed. What is new today may be the standard tomorrow. What knowledge will you need in the coming period to keep up, or to stay ahead, in your work? And how do you prefer to acquire it? This year, we have asked a large group of technical professionals. In this article, we share our key findings.

Between June and October, 289 technical professionals completed our survey: course participants from the past three years, newsletter subscribers and LinkedIn followers. Perhaps you were one of them. Most respondents are mid-level or senior professionals, working in nearly every field that PAOTM is active in. Together, they paint a rich picture of what is currently going on in the field and what technical professionals can expect in the near future.

The key knowledge needs

Two topics stand head and shoulders above the rest. First is Artificial Intelligence (AI). More than two-thirds of the respondents (68%) expect to need a lot or a great deal of new knowledge about AI in the coming years. And this is not limited to a single niche: AI comes up in every field. Respondents are thinking in very concrete terms. For example, they want to use AI to create and check calculations and for analysis and automation in areas such as project management, building engineering and installations, geotechnical engineering, drinking water and shipping.
Digitalization and data-driven work comes in second at 66%. New technologies (56%) and sustainability and circularity (54%) round out the top knowledge needs. There is a lot of work to be done, while capacity is limited. By automating calculations and making smart use of data, you can accomplish more with the same team. At the same time, new standards, laws and regulations require the application of new technologies. On top of that, there are enormous sustainability ambitions, ranging from nitrogen reduction to the reuse of materials. That is why subject-matter expertise remains the foundation for applying all of these innovations effectively.
The need for knowledge about AI, digitalization and data-driven work is urgent. Most respondents need this knowledge within a year, and some even sooner. According to respondents, the pace at which these technologies are changing makes knowledge about them immediately necessary.

Learning together in the classroom remains favorite

How do our respondents prefer to acquire new knowledge? The answer is clear: together. No less than 74% choose in-person classroom instruction. We recognize this: it’s precisely in discussions with peers and in sharing hands-on experience that the best insights often emerge. Blended learning, a mix of in-person and online learning, follows at 46%. Only 20% prefer fully online learning. The results are also clear when it comes to format: a compact course of a few days appeals to most respondents.

From your answers to our courses

The survey results show what technical professionals run into in their day-to-day work and that new knowledge is needed quickly. In the coming period, we are keen to work on the results. We will speak to respondents, look at where our offering can grow and further develop concrete course ideas. Together, we will make sure you can put the latest knowledge into practice right away and are ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

Do you or your team have a technical question or do you notice a knowledge gap in your field? Let us know through our Knowledge Need page or call one of our program managers. Your input helps us develop exactly the knowledge that is needed!