Regional knowledge networks for Lifelong Learning

Abstract

Why are particular communities performing economically better in knowledge economies? Under conditions of intense global competition and complexity it seems that better performing communities enable their members to cultivate human talent: they enable their members to learn. This allows these learning communities to shift resources out of low-wage activities into higher value adding activities, thus providing continued prosperity. The basis of this seems to be a capacity to develop a competitive edge through the application of advanced technology, knowledge and service. From an employment perspective, there is a dangerous mismatch between what the knowledge economy needs of higher education and the "competences" the latter delivers. Lifelong learning provides a paradigm shift to "learning activity undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competence, within a personal, civic, social and/or employment-related perspective". It provides higher education with the imagination to perceive its future anew, with an engagement to redefine itself in alignment with agile learning communities. It enables learning communities, of which higher education is an integral part, to perform economically better.

Lifelong Learning in the Knowledge Society

“…"The first question to be answered is: "What is learning". Here we assume that learning is the use and the creation of new operational knowledge (Go & van Weert 2004) that steers our actions. Learning is a social activity in which interactions with the environment (human and nonhuman) play an important role.…”

“…Professional development is not part of everyday schoolwork in class, so it needs an extra effort. Universities should work in co-operation with business, industry and other organisations in the field to develop and implement programmes which are intended to give students optimum preparation for the reality and dynamics of professional practice (Go & van Weert 2004). These new programmes aim to provide learning environments which enable students to develop into starting professionals: they develop their competence and professional expertise in learning environments of varying complexity.…”