Economics and Finance of Lifelong Learning Learning is an essential basis for progress in the knowledge society; it is critical for economic growth and social welfare. OECD Member countries have committed themselves to making lifelong learning a reality for all. But the resources required to meet that goal are potentially large and countries differ in their capacity to generate them. Can OECD Member countries rise to this challenge. This report seeks to provide some answers by identifying and examining the economic and financial issues that arise in implementing the goal and the strategies that the public and private sectors are pu