Sitra’s seven recommendations for lifelong learning in Finland

This summary introduces Sitra’s seven recommendations for promoting lifelong learning in Finland.

The recommendations serve as tools for lifelong learning policy creators and decision-makers for managing and implementing a joint view of lifelong learning in Finland. The recommendations are discussed in more detail in the publication
Millä suosituksilla? – Kohti elinikäisen oppimisen Suomea (On what recommendations? – Towards lifelong learning in Finland) (in Finnish).

The study is based on the work carried out in the Lifelong learning project (2018-2021), initiated by 30 key public-sector, educational sector and business and industry representatives and based on their shared views on the direction of lifelong learning in Finland.

The recommendations are a response to two of the four theses presented in the report: “General knowledge, basic skills and competence are the foundations of well-being” and “Competence improves working life and working life improves competence”.

The backdrop to this work is Sitra’s co-operation with stakeholders and various pilot projects carried out across Finland, as well as studies produced by the future fund.

Fine-tuning the existing leadership models and structures is not sufficient in the face of rapidly changing competence needs. What is needed is a more flexible model in which competence is seen as the foundation for well-being and a sustainable economy in Finland and where lifelong learning is a viable option for everyone at all stages of their lives.