Financing Lifelong Learning for All: An International Perspective. Working Paper.

Overview & Synopsis

Recent international discussions provide information on various countries' responses to lifelong learning, including the following: (1) existing unmet needs and emerging needs for education and training; (2) funds required compared with what was provided; and (3) methods for acquiring additional funds, among them efficiency measures leading to savings and reallocation, cost incentives directed at employers, federal mandate for employer involvement in training, and increase in federal student aid. The need for funding varies among wealthy countries and between rich and poor countries although globalization and technological and demographic changes are major factors in the increased need for lifelong learning in all nations. Possibilities for implementing forms of funding also vary and are dependent on prevailing political and economic structures. Federal governments have a major role in providing increased funds for education and training for disadvantaged students although this varies internationally. Countries with histories of social/business/government partnerships, such as Sweden, France, and Germany, have more successfully provided for the less advantaged than their less socialized counterparts, such as Australia and the United Kingdom. (Included are eight tables and descriptive boxes. The bibliography lists 35 references). (AJ)