Innovation and Learning – For a Future of Lifelong Learning

Innovation and continuous learning are two sides of one coin. Enabling innovation against this background means forming learning cultures which manifest above all through self-directed learning at work and a social environment which promotes learning. Precisely the process of transformation of the new German federal states has made clear the central role played by the learning culture in mastering changes and acquiring new skills. Consciously shaping a learning culture is still in its initial stages in this overall process, as the common belief prevails that an increase in learning needs can be met by providing further training. This alone, however, is not enough. The formation of working patterns and social environments which promote learning are key tasks for the future and without these the transition to a knowledgebased society will not be accomplished.