Financing a System for Lifelong Learning

This article attempts to set out a framework for financing lifelong learning that will be more comprehensive, efficient, equitable and flexible than the existing approach. After specifying the essential components of lifelong learning, it raises the question of how the system should be financed and who should pay. The article proceeds by suggesting a method for constructing both international and national databases on lifelong learning that can assist in improving finance. Special emphasis is placed on the roles of information, incentives and consolidation of existing sources of finance into a more nearly unified approach.