| Abstract [eng] |
The focus of this paper is the notion of a learning society in Lithuania. Lithuania, as a EU member, is in the process of implementation of a Lisbon strategy, which declared the goal of creation the knowledge society until the year 2010. The main task is to identify the peculiarities and problems that impede the creation and development of a learning society in Lithuania. The different aspects have been analyzed: primarily, the higher education system and the notion of lifelong learning, then the conception of a learning region in Lithuania, and finally the creation of a learning economy with effective innovation systems. It is claimed that Lithuania, being an educated country with high percentage of students enrolment, is not competitive enough, and that lifelong learning depends not only on the policy of a government, but on the motivation of the citizens, the approach of the employers and a strength of a civil society. It is also claimed that the spontaneous creation of learning regions lies in the social capital (trust, social capabilities). An interactive and systemic innovation system based on the partnerships and networks, with a strong value of a human factor, can guarantee a better competitive advantage. |
