Research · Programme
A cross-university team led by IET, exploring how education, work, and technology intersect, preparing learners and professionals for AI-shaped futures.
AI is transforming work at an unprecedented pace – reshaping recruitment, redefining skills, and changing how we work. Traditionally examined through a business and organisational lens alone, these shifts demand an interdisciplinary, whole-system approach that connects education – where preparation, upskilling, and ongoing professional development happen – to the evolving world of work.
This is what our group aims to achieve. Coordinated by the Institute of Educational Technology (IET) at The Open University, the Future of Work & Professional Development research group brings together an interdisciplinary team from across the university dedicated to understanding how education, research, work, society, and technology intersect in an era of rapid transformation. We bridge educational technology, labour market and organisational research, and professional development to address a critical question: how do we prepare all learners and professionals for technology-shaped futures?
Our research spans five interconnected strands:
The group builds on a strong portfolio of internationally excellent research, including work on AI and recruitment, workplace inclusion, learning analytics for professional learning, digital credentials, and research skills development. Current activity includes major collaborative projects such as the ESRC-funded Research Capability Hub (£5.2M, PI: Bart Rienties), which is developing the UK’s central platform for social science research training.
Looking ahead, the group aims to grow a vibrant, open research community at the Open University; develop major funding and consultancy partnerships; produce high-quality REF-ready outputs and impact case studies; and act as a hub for debate, collaboration, and innovation on the future of work, education, and professional development.
Editorial
IET recognised for innovative course production at E-Learning Excellence Awards
In October 2022, academic researchers from The Open University’s Institute of Educational Technology (IET) were recognised by the awarding panel of the European Conference on e-Learning for their innovative practice on the Skills for Prosperity Kenya programme.
Editorial
Dr Fereshte Goshtasbpour champions open and scaled learning
Fereshte joined IET with the aim to engage in research with big impact.
Thought leadership
Digital Badges and COVID-19: upskilling at a distance
Digital Badges can support teaching challenges faced during Covid-19.
Editorial
Digital Badges and COVID-19: Enhancing assessments
The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted the need for immediate, innovative solutions to improve assessments.
