Business-to-Business (B2B) Continuing Education Market Report 2025

The business-to-business (B2B) continuing education market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $5.83 billion in 2024 to $6.4 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9%. The growth in the historic period was driven by the increasing demand for professional certifications, the widening skill gaps in the workforce, the rising need for industry-specific expertise, the growing interest in e-learning, and the heightened demand for business operations.

The business-to-business (B2B) continuing education market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $9.22 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the increasing use of AI for personalized learning, the rising adoption of hybrid work models, the growing dependence on remote workforce training, the expanding use of mobile learning platforms, and the increasing preference for microlearning. Key trends expected during this period include the rise of microlearning modules, mobile-first learning platforms, subscription-based training models, the adoption of virtual and augmented reality training, and the use of data-driven performance tracking and analytics.

The growing adoption of online learning is expected to drive the expansion of the business-to-business (B2B) continuing education market in the coming years. Online learning is a form of education delivered through the internet rather than in a traditional classroom environment. Its popularity is rising due to the demand for flexible and accessible education options that allow learners to participate anytime and anywhere, fitting diverse schedules and personal commitments. In the context of B2B continuing education, online learning enables organizations to upskill employees, provide consistent training across multiple locations, and keep pace with evolving industry trends. It also offers cost-effective, scalable, and flexible solutions that improve workforce performance. For example, in January 2025, Eurostat, a Luxembourg-based government agency, reported that in 2024, 33% of internet users in the European Union participated in an online course or used online learning materials within three months before the survey, up from 30% in 2023. This rising engagement demonstrates how increasing demand for online learning is fueling growth in the B2B continuing education market.

Leading companies in the B2B continuing education sector are introducing innovative solutions such as flexible learning platforms to support employee upskilling and improve workplace productivity. These platforms are digital tools that give professionals on-demand access to training and educational content, allowing them to learn at their own pace, according to their schedules and preferences. This approach provides businesses with personalized and self-directed development opportunities for their workforce. In September 2024, FutureLearn Limited, a UK-based online learning platform, launched a B2B social campaign promoting FutureLearn for Business. This initiative offered customized learning solutions for enterprises, governments, schools, and universities, featuring CPD-accredited courses, sector-specific Skills Academies, and bespoke learning management systems. The campaign aimed to close skills gaps and boost productivity by providing flexible online training, supported by expert-led courses and real-time learning data for performance tracking. It also leveraged a mix of paid and organic advertising across LinkedIn, Instagram, and Google to engage potential partners through risk-free affiliate partnership models.

In May 2024, Accenture plc, an Ireland-based professional services company, acquired Udacity Inc. for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition was aimed at strengthening Accenture’s B2B continuing education offerings by integrating Udacity’s specialized online training programs in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. This move enabled Accenture to deliver scalable, customized workforce upskilling solutions to its enterprise clients. Udacity Inc., based in the United States, is known for its B2B continuing education programs, including Udacity for Business.

Major players in the business-to-business (b2b) continuing education market are Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Adobe Inc., John Wiley & Sons Inc., Coursera Inc., Skillsoft Corp., QA Limited, HealthStream Inc., Guild Education Inc., Docebo Inc., upGrad Education Private Limited, Learning Tree International Inc., Kenes International, Haufe Akademie GmbH & Co. KG, Litmos US L.P., Pitman Training Group Ltd, SonoSim Inc., Med Learning Group LLC, AlmaBetter Technologies Pvt Ltd, GreenCE Inc.

North America was the largest region in the business-to-business (B2B) continuing education market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in business-to-business (B2B) continuing education report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the business-to-business (B2B) continuing education market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The rapid escalation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are significantly impacting the professional services sector, particularly in legal, consulting, architectural, and engineering domains. Higher costs for imported technology, software licenses, office equipment, and digital infrastructure have raised operational expenses for firms reliant on global tools and platforms. International consulting projects are facing delays or cost overruns due to increased travel expenses and restricted access to foreign-sourced data and tools. Additionally, clients in manufacturing, construction, and logistics, heavily affected by tariffs are cutting back on outsourced services, squeezing demand for professional expertise. As a result, service providers are reevaluating pricing structures, expanding domestic supplier relationships, and investing in AI-driven solutions to sustain profitability and client engagement amid economic uncertainty.

Business-to-business (B2B) continuing education refers to specialized training and development programs designed for employees, managers, and professionals within organizations to enhance industry-specific knowledge and skills. Its main objectives are to strengthen workforce capabilities, improve business performance, foster innovation, and help organizations maintain competitiveness in rapidly evolving industries.

The primary types of B2B continuing education are offline and online. Offline education involves traditional, in-person learning formats such as classes, workshops, or seminars, providing hands-on and structured training. It encompasses elements such as training and credentialing and is implemented across various settings, including ambulatory surgery centers, behavioral health centers, community health centers, acute care centers, urgent care facilities, imaging and diagnostic centers, among others.

The business-to-business (B2B) continuing education market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides business-to-business (B2B) continuing education market statistics, including business-to-business (B2B) continuing education industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the business-to-business (B2B) continuing education market share, business-to-business (B2B) continuing education market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the business-to-business (B2B) continuing education industry. This business-to-business (B2B) continuing education market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The business-to-business (B2B) continuing education market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as corporate training programs, professional certification courses, executive education, workshops and seminars, industry-specific skill development programs, and compliance and regulatory training. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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