Digital Education Council Announce Strategic Partnership with Pearson to Shape the Future of Global Higher Education

As the higher education landscape is rapidly changing, the Digital Education Council (DEC) has announced a strategic partnership with Pearson to drive digital transformation in global markets, modernise learning models, and prepare institutions for the demands of education and work. 

With AI, digital learning, and workforce shifts reshaping the global education landscape, this partnership aims to bridge the gap between education policy and real-world implementation, ensuring that universities are better prepared to help students learn and succeed in the job market. 

By co-developing research, the partnership plans to leverage the capabilities of the two organisations to provide practical resources to support higher education institutions and policymakers across the world. The partnership seeks to scale DEC and Pearson’s work to benefit global higher education.

Advancing Higher Education Leadership 

The Digital Education Council engages with universities, colleges, policymakers, and education leaders to shape the strategic direction of higher education worldwide. Pearson brings unrivaled expertise in digital learning experiences and assessment methodologies. 

“As higher education rapidly evolves around the world, this partnership will help DEC and Pearson work with institutions to overcome challenges and better serve students,” said Ebrahim Matthews, SVP of Pearson Higher Education International. “We have a tremendous opportunity to make learning more effective, address skills gaps in the global economy, and put people to work in fulfilling careers that will uplift society.”  

"This partnership is about impact — it is about ensuring that education policy and real-world implementation are seamlessly aligned," said Alessandro Di Lullo, Chief Executive Officer of DEC. "By working with Pearson, we are ensuring that institutions don’t simply react to disruption, but actively shape the future of learning with clear strategies and governance." 

"Higher education is standing at a crossroads, where institutions must choose between incremental adaptation or bold transformation," said Danny Bielik, President of DEC. "Pearson has been at the forefront of education for decades, and their expertise in learning and assessment makes them an indispensable partner in helping us shape the next chapter of global higher education. Together, we will ensure that higher education is not just keeping up with change but leading it."

Strategic Initiatives to Drive Innovation in Higher Education 

Through this partnership, Pearson and DEC will:

• Engage in DEC’s Industry-leading Executive Briefings and Thematic Working Groups, contributing research and expert insights on digital learning, teaching, and assessment.
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• Co-author a DEC Executive Briefing, delivering practical guidance for universities navigating digital transformation.
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• Co-launch a DEC Thematic Working Group, bringing together global education leaders to explore critical issues shaping the future of higher education.

This collaboration will provide DEC members with research, insights, and strategic guidance to help them adapt to the shifting demands of higher education. 

By fostering informed decision-making, Pearson and DEC aim to support universities in shaping their long-term strategies. Further details on upcoming initiatives will be shared in the coming months.