Novel tools to strengthen good practice and strategy for lifelong learning
If an organisation's successes depend on the abilities of its people, then investing in those people would be wise. Yet, currently, no clear answers exist as to how Europe should develop its people through lifelong learning. To address the issue, the EU-funded LLLIGHT'IN'EUROPE (Lifelong learning, innovation, growth and human capital tracks in Europe) project aimed at forming a European investment strategy in adult education for the coming decades. The project team produced a broad range of publications that are freely accessible on the project website. These include 6 thematic reports covering topics such as skills outcomes and productivity, the role of job-specific and transversal skills, and 21 policy briefs with corresponding online videos. A Synthesis Report summarises the project's core insights. Project partners designed and launched a mentored open online course on innovation and complex problem-solving skills. Held in 2014, the 10-week course taught participants how to develop and implement new ideas. Researchers created a complex problem solving (CPS) skills testing laboratory in Beijing and Luxembourg. This enables users in these regions to test CPS – an important measure of human capital – for research and commercial purposes. Findings fed into a series of public policy recommendations for European governments and organisations to develop the capacities of employees through ongoing adult learning. LLLIGHT'IN'EUROPE will empower individuals, companies and economies to better invest their lifelong learning resources in an effort to maximise individual and collective economic and social well-being.
Keywords
Lifelong learning, innovation, adult learning, LLLIGHT'IN'EUROPE, human capital, complex problem solving
