As scientific and technological knowledge spreads faster due to modern information and communication technologies (ICT) as well as improved research methods, the half-life of knowledge is getting increasingly shorter. This makes life-long-learning and constant skills and knowledge updating and upgrading a crucial element for maintaining competitiveness.

Education and training must be adapted to the requirements of the future. Therefore the possibilities of current and future technology as well as the requirements for anticipated needs have to be taken into account to find answers to the strategic challenges in the years to 2020:

• · Make lifelong learning and learner mobility a reality;

• · Improve the quality and efficiency of provision and outcomes;

• · Promote equity and active citizenship;

• · Enhance innovation and creativity, including entrepreneurship, at all levels of education and training.