Education display market holds steady as LED growth offsets global sector strain

As global education systems evolve under mounting pressures, display technology remains a crucial tool in the classroom. Despite funding constraints, staffing shortages and shifting student expectations, education institutions are sustaining, and in some cases expanding, their investment in AV.

That’s according to the latest Professional Displays in Education report from Futuresource Consulting. The research highlights how display technologies continue to anchor modern learning environments, even as financial and operational pressures persist. And while the professional displays market in education is expected to remain flat in value between 2025 and 2029, achieving $7 to $7.5 billion annually, it continues to represent a vital part of the global AV landscape.

“Education leaders aren’t just buying screens,” says Jeremy Wills, Principal Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “They’re rethinking how learning happens in every space. Interactive panels are easing teacher workloads, LED is transforming campus engagement, and projection still delivers scale where budgets are tight. The opportunity lies in matching the right tech to the right challenge. And that’s where vendors can make a real impact.”

Saturation slows growth in K-12, yet shipments stay strong

Teacher shortages, budget restrictions and a slowdown in device replacement are all making waves across global K-12 systems.

Interactive flat panel displays (IFPDs) account for around three-quarters of display spend in this space. Although market saturation in regions like the USA, China and Western Europe is slowing growth, Futuresource expects 10.2 million IFPD/IWB units to ship into education globally between now and 2029.

Higher education invests to attract students

More resilient to economic shocks, universities are deploying AV displays to modernise campuses and attract students.

LED displays are seeing especially strong uptake, and are being used in auditoriums, esports arenas, broadcast studios and signage applications. Futuresource forecasts show that LED display value in education will grow by nearly 210% between 2024 and 2029, with higher education leading the forward momentum.

Global trends and regional shifts

While APAC currently accounts for a little over half of global education display value, this share is expected to decline to 49% by 2029. The Americas will rise to 30%, with EMEA slightly decreasing to 21%. DVLED remains the fastest-growing display technology globally, with over 25% CAGR expected through to 2029.

A stable yet shifting market

While projection continues to lose ground, forecast to drop 46% in value by 2029, momentum is shifting toward LED and IFPD technologies. Futuresource notes that innovation in these formats, backed by strategic higher education spending and targeted K-12 investment, is playing a key role in sustaining the education display market.

In addition, AI integration and improved display-based content sharing offer potential to ease teacher workloads, if funding and training challenges can be addressed.

“This is a market that’s adapting, not retreating,” says Wills. “Vendors that offer flexible, scalable solutions for both the classroom and campus will uncover the key opportunities, especially those that are clearly able to demonstrate their alignment with the digital expectations of students and the practical needs of educators.”

About Futuresource Consulting

Futuresource Consulting, established in the 1980s, is a leading research and consulting firm specialising in global market analysis, forecasts and strategic insights. With a deep understanding of emerging trends and technologies, Futuresource helps businesses navigate complex markets and make informed decisions.

To learn more about Futuresource Consulting’s Professional Displays in Education market report or to make a purchase, please contact johnny.woodman@futuresource-hq.com or visit here to learn more.

Press Contact: Nicola Finn, Marketing Manager, Futuresource Consulting, nicola.finn@futuresource-hq.com