According to the HP Futures 2026 report carried out by the HP company, 80% of students today trust artificial intelligence to boost their professional future. This is stated in the study, which also highlights that creativity and critical thinking are the skills most valued by young people, even ahead of technological skills.
Greater job opportunities
Young people see artificial intelligence as an ally for their professional future. According to the HP Futures 2026: Skills in the Age of Intelligent Machines report, powered by HP in collaboration with The Education Leaders Forum, 80% of students are confident in their ability to use AI tools effectively and responsibly in their professional career, while 61% believe that this technology will create more job opportunities than it eliminates.
The study, which collects responses from 6,206 students from 37 countries, reflects a largely optimistic view of the potential of technology and highlights the importance of combining digital competencies with skills such as creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. Additionally, 81% of respondents are confident that the education they are receiving prepares them to enter the job market.
Creativity and critical thinking, the most valued skills
Although artificial intelligence will play an increasingly relevant role in the labor market, young people consider that human capabilities will be fundamental for their professional development.
Creativity and critical thinking top the skills most valued by students, with 56% mentions each, followed by communication and collaboration (52%). Behind them are digital and AI-related skills (44%) and technical or programming skills (29%).
These results coincide with one of the main conclusions of HP Futures 2026: preparing young people for the future of work requires going beyond technological learning. The challenge is to develop profiles capable of applying artificial intelligence judiciously, adapting to changing environments and converting knowledge into creative and collaborative solutions.
The integration of artificial intelligence in education represents an opportunity to enrich learning experiences and prepare students for the needs of the labor market.
Need to teach students to think
According to the report, 88% of young people say that their training includes some content related to AI, digital skills or the responsible use of technology. However, only 29% indicate that these contents are present in most of their learning, which highlights the scope for progress in their integration.
Students also recognize the importance of using these tools in a balanced way, with 82% expressing concern that the speed of AI could reduce the depth of their learning. In this sense, the study highlights the need to teach young people to think with artificial intelligence, instead of depending on it for answers.
Additionally, traditional methods remain relevant: 49% of respondents prefer techniques that include handwriting or using printed materials to retain information. This result reflects the value of combining physical and digital resources in educational experiences adapted to different ways of learning.
Combine technological innovation and development of human skills
Artificial intelligence offers new possibilities to enrich teaching, personalize learning and prepare young people for the needs of the labor market. In this context, HP defends technology that complements human capabilities and helps develop creativity, critical thinking and autonomy in students.
Through HP Futures 2026, the company focuses on the importance of promoting educational models that integrate artificial intelligence in a responsible way and promote practical learning, connected to the needs of the professional world. The report also highlights the fundamental role of teachers in this process and the need to provide them with training and tools that allow them to take advantage of the possibilities of technology in the classroom.
This vision is also reflected in HP’s experience as a technology employer. According to the study, the company is adapting its selection processes to identify professionals who, in addition to mastering AI tools, are capable of reasoning, solving complex problems, collaborating and applying their knowledge to real situations.
The HP Futures 2026 report reveals that creativity and critical thinking are the skills most valued by young people
“Young people see artificial intelligence as an opportunity and our role is to help them take advantage of it. At HP we believe that technology should enrich learning and enhance capabilities such as critical thinking, creativity and problem solving. Preparing new generations for the future means giving them the tools and confidence necessary to learn, adapt and develop their full potential,” says Inés Bermejo, president of HP Spain and Portugal.
With HP Futures 2026, HP reaffirms its commitment to promoting dialogue between educational institutions, public officials and companies to move towards a more innovative, inclusive education adapted to the needs of new generations.
