International trends of lifelong learning in higher education: research report

Summary

The research report, International Trends of Lifelong Learning in Higher Education, provides a comprehensive overview of the development of lifelong learning (LLL) in the higher education sector worldwide. It examines how higher education institutions (HEIs) have contributed to LLL and shows the levels of advancement in different areas of implementation. The report is based on the results of an international survey conducted in 2020, which was led by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) in cooperation with the International Association of Universities (IAU) and Shanghai Open University (SOU).

Valid responses to the survey were submitted by 399 institutions from 96 countries in all regions of the world. The report considers three main aspects of lifelong learning institutionalization in higher education: supportive policy environments to promote LLL in higher education, institutional governance and implementation, and how and to what extent HEIs are widening access through diversification and flexibility.

Key Findings

Policy Environments

• National legislation and frameworks reflect political support and incentivize institutional implementation and resource allocation for LLL.

• Roughly two-thirds of the HEIs surveyed reported that their country has national legislation pertaining to LLL in place, indicating strong national commitments to widening LLL opportunities in higher education.

• For many of the HEIs surveyed, lifelong learning is a priority, which is reflected in their mission statements. This suggests that institutions take LLL seriously as a responsibility of HEIs.

• At the institutional level, strategies and policies are drivers for LLL development, and demonstrate commitment and purpose. A clear majority of HEIs have an LLL strategy in place, with the largest proportion responding that this strategy is at an institutional level. Moreover, the majority of HEIs indicated a strong intention to put policy into action.

• There is a positive relationship between supportive national legislation and the existence of institutional strategies for LLL, highlighting the importance of national policy environments and the promotion of LLL within HEIs.