Adult Literacy and Lifeskills Web Site here is strong evidence that developed countries have entered an era where participation in modern society and in the labor market will be linked to the capacity to accumulate knowledge and to develop and maintain a broad range of skills.
Many adults are already in a position to excel in the knowledge society.
But others will find it difficult to adapt to the new conditions and will face increased risks of reduced employment opportunities, unemployment, redundancy, exclusion, and a reduction in their overall quality of life. To remain competitive, to counter exclusion, and to prevent growing inequalities in wages and learning opportunities, it is likely that governments in coordination with the private sector will need to develop skill enhancement programs and policies. As demonstrated by the International Adult Literacy Survey, direct measures of these skills are far better predictors of successful participation in society than previous indicators such as education credentials. It will provide an extensive profile of those whose performance on a wide array of skills places them at risk.