Educational systems, from K–12 through higher education, are being stress-tested around the globe. With disruptions at an all-time high, now is the time to deliver true innovation.

Even before COVID-19, educational institutions faced strong headwinds. In 2018, 258 million children, adolescents, and youths were out of school. The numbers have only worsened since the onset of the pandemic, which has disrupted learning for nearly 1.6 billion students in more than 190 countries. The racial and socioeconomic achievement gap has deepened, and students are losing ground academically or dropping out altogether.

While the pandemic has created unprecedented challenges, it also presents an opportunity to accelerate innovation and social impact in education. With the right strategic focus—coupled with powerful human and digital capabilities and a willingness to innovate—educational institutions can transform their cultures and educational models to enable 21st century learning.