Lifelong Learning And The Knowledge Society: Challenges For Developing Countries

Abstract

Economic growth is increasingly driven by knowledge, and no country can remain competitive without applying knowledge.  The knowledge economy provides efficient ways to produce goods and services and deliver them more effectively, and at lower costs, to a greater number of people. In addition to the danger of a growing digital gap, there is also a growing knowledge divide. There are striking disparities between rich and poor countries in their investment and capacity in science and technology.

Learning and training benefit individuals, enterprises and society alike particularly when based on the needs of the market. Individuals benefit from education and training – provided that these are supported by other economic and social policies. Education and training make individuals employable and help them gain access to better jobs and escape from poverty. Human resources development and training contribute to improved productivity in the economy, reduce skill mismatches in the labor market, and promote a country’s international competitiveness

In the 21^st century, workers need to be lifelong learners, adapting continuously to changed opportunities and labor market demands of the knowledge economy. Education systems in all countries will have to evolve in that direction. The major challenge of learning and training in the 21^st century for developing countries consists of insufficient capability to provide necessary education while also not being market oriented or not based on the needs of the market. These are issues will be discussed in this paper.