The Determinants of Lifelong Learning

• Main Authors: Jasmina Sinanovic, Senad Becirovic
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Academic Publishing House Researcher 2016-02-01
• Series: Evropejskij Issledovatelʹ
• Subjects: economics; lifelong learning; lifelong education; knowledge economy; globalisation; change
• Online Access: http://www.erjournal.ru/journals_n/1456759066.pdf

The aim of this paper is to introduce drivers of lifelong learning and to emphasize its importance in modern life. Developed economies throughout the world are driven more by knowledge and globalization than were economies of even the recent past. European economies of the 20th century were largely driven by manufacturing and the need to industrialize. Filling such economies with functional workers required education systems of similar design, that turned out masses of equally-educated workers in large batches. Increased automation, the widespread introduction of computer technologies and communications, and cheaper transportation have combined to encourage firms to be lean, international, and changing. Computer technologies encouraged sharing of documents, speeded workflow from design to production. Cheaper transportation allowed an increase in internationalization of workforces. These major shifts drove change from industrialized to knowledge-based economies. Paper discusses how two simple English words came together, stayed together, and grew into a powerful term driving new political initiatives, and continue to influence political, economic, social, and even cultural currents. Today's developed societies are rapidly aging, live longer and have fewer children. In order to continue to grow vibrant economies, and to fully enjoy the benefits of these vibrant economies, citizens need to continue to renew knowledge and skills during entire lifetime. As the major technological, economic, and social currents change, so must citizens adapt by never ceasing to learn throughout their lifetimes.