PMI moves to bridge talent gap with education forum

Project Management Institute and Cannes Lions have launched a global initiative aimed at reshaping how students are prepared for the workforce, with a focus on bridging the gap between academic learning and industry needs.

The partnership introduced the LIONS Educators Forum, a global platform designed to connect educators and industry leaders and improve alignment between classroom instruction and the skills required in an AI-driven and rapidly evolving economy.

In a statement on Tuesday, PMI said the initiative responds to a growing need to better equip students with skills that reflect modern workplace demands, including creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability.

“As creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability become increasingly critical across every profession, educators and industry leaders have an opportunity to work together to ensure students are equipped to thrive,” the organisation said.

The Chief Marketing Officer at PMI, Menaka Gopinath, said the forum would focus on two core areas: developing future-ready curricula and strengthening pathways between education and employment.

She said the initiative would rely on curated discussions, shared insights, and ongoing collaboration to equip educators with tools and industry access needed to prepare students for creative and professional careers.

“Educators from around the world are invited to join a growing global network built on collaboration, where best practice is shared openly, ideas are challenged, and the collective goal is to better prepare the next generation for success,” she noted.

The forum will be chaired by Vann Graves, Executive Director of VCU Brandcenter, and supported by a leadership team from Cannes Lions.

It will operate through three key components: biannual global roundtables, an in-person forum at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and a year-round global network for educators and industry professionals.

Global Head of Strategic Learning Initiatives at Cannes Lions, Steve Latham, said the initiative aims to close the gap between education and industry at a time when creativity has become a critical economic skill.

“Creativity is now one of the most important skills in the global economy, yet the connection between education and industry has never been more critical,” he said.

“As Founding Partner, PMI will help shape the forum’s agenda by focusing on the skills students will need in an AI-enabled workplace,” the statement added.

PMI said project management capabilities are increasingly important in helping individuals translate ideas into outcomes, navigate complexity, and lead across disciplines in a changing work environment.

The organisations said the LIONS Educators Forum forms part of broader efforts to support lifelong learning and strengthen the global talent pipeline for future industries.