The old rules no longer apply as AI rapidly commoditises intelligence and information, Piers Linney says
In the age of AI, attending university may be less about acquiring specialised knowledge and more about learning how to learn, building networks, and developing personally, and socially. So says Piers Linney, an entrepreneur, keynote speaker and former Dragons' Den investor.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “I honestly no longer know what advice to give my children about further education, because the old rules no longer apply. I hear parents struggling with this all the time and many are pretending they have the answers. For over two centuries, education was the clearest investment you could make in your future, and the numbers prove it. More education, higher income, upward mobility. Historically, this was a reliable rule.”
Today, however, AI is rapidly commoditising intelligence and information. Once exclusive professional tasks are increasingly automated. The natural reaction is to suggest further learning, LInney noted, adding that, in the age of AI, attending university may be less about acquiring specialised knowledge and more about learning how to learn, building networks, and developing personally, and socially.
He commented: “Is that worth accumulating £45,000 in debt, when the future of work is unclear? Education itself won’t disappear, but its direct link to higher income might. AI teachers will be able to offer personalised support to anyone at almost no cost. Home schooling will become easier to deliver, and perhaps more relevant as institutions fall behind and education systems become unfit for purpose, due to their glacial pace of change.”
He concluded: “As the value of cognitive labour tends towards zero, the income vs education premium will shift towards uniquely human attributes: human experience, human care, shared creative experiences, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
Our sister title, RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.
This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.
Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com
Key 2025 dates
Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline
Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed
Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days
Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.
