Learning for Life: How Continuous Education Will Keep Us Competitive in the Global Knowledge Economy

Today’s global knowledge economy requires individuals and companies alike to quickly adapt to new tools and strategies. To remain competitive, both must continually seek out the latest advancements and developments, and upgrade their skillsets accordingly. In the United States, however, support for ongoing education lags far behind other developed nations, creating a crippling skills gap between the workforce and industries in the US and its global competitors.In a country that has been multiple steps ahead of everyone else since its birth, how did this happen? Why are other countries, previously inferior when it came to technological advancements, suddenly faring markedly better? What keeps our nation’s vast network of corporate training, workforce development, and K-12 and college education so fragmented and inefficient? In the tells-it-like-it-is Learning for Life, readers will learn about:• Why America’s existing educational models are failing employees and employers• The shift in content knowledge toward new ways of thinking and working• Policies and programs that are working in the US and abroad• Recommendations for overhauling our education and training infrastructure and building partnerships between providers and employersThe stakes are too important for America to continue falling behind in its education. But the good news is, the pathways to get us back to the top are there ahead of us. Learning for Life points the way forward.

Today's global knowledge economy requires individuals and companies alike to quickly adapt to new tools and strategies. To remain competitive, both must continually upgrade their skills. In the United States, however, support for ongoing education lags far behind other developed nations, creating a crippling skills gap.

How did we get to this point, and why are other countries faring markedly better? What keeps our nation's vast network of corporate training, workforce development, and K-12 and college education so fragmented and inefficient? Gathering insights from key thought leaders and exemplary programs, Learning for Life examines:

Why America's existing educational models are failing employees and employers - The shift from content knowledge toward new ways of thinking and working, grounded in creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration - Policies and programs that are working in the U.S. and abroad - Recommendations for overhauling our education and training infrastructure and building partnerships between providers and employers

In a constantly changing world, the stakes are high to ensure our workforce performs. Learning for Life points to the most promising pathways for getting there.

Advance Praise for Learning for Life

"On the must-read list for managers and executives of employers, educational institutions, and other agencies essential to creating the effective lifelong learning system to which we aspire."-- Jim Shelton, former Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Education

"Learning for Life highlights best-in-class models of lifelong learning and proposes cross-sector practices that can and should be replicated by global organizations and systems." -- Nick Van Dam, Ph.D., Global Chief Learning Officer, McKinsey & Co.

"As shifts in the global economy create new demands for human capital productivity, Learning for Life demystifies the needed elements for a new adult education agenda and outlines an innovative formula for success based on educator/employer collaboration." -- Ross Wiener, Vice President and Executive Director, Education & Society Program, Aspen Institute

Jason Wingard, Ph.D., is Dean and Professor of the School of Continuing Education at Columbia University. Previously Vice Dean of Executive Education and Adjunct Professor of Management at The Wharton School, he is the author of Learning to Succeed.